UCL: Inter Battles Past Kairat Almaty 2-1 in Champions League

Inter Milan edges Kairat Almaty 2-1 in UEFA Champions League

Inter Milan secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kairat Almaty in the UEFA Champions League, with Lautaro Martinez scoring the decisive goal.

Inter's relief was palpable when Lautaro Martinez broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime...

Inter Milan secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kairat Almaty in their UEFA Champions League clash at the San Siro, joining Bayern Munich and Arsenal as one of three teams with a 100% record in the league phase. The Italian giants dominated the early stages, with Federico Dimarco's near-post effort forcing a spectacular save from Temirlan Anarbekov, while Egor Sorokin's last-ditch intervention prevented Lautaro Martinez from scoring.

Lautaro Martinez finally broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime, but Kairat Almaty equalized just 10 minutes into the second half when Ofri Arad headed home from a corner. However, Inter regained the lead in the 67th minute when Carlos Augusto scored with a thumping low drive, securing all three points for the hosts.

The Nerazzurri believed a penalty was forthcoming, but referee Luis Godinho deemed Yann Bisseck to have initiated contact with Ofri Arad, overturning the initial decision after consulting the VAR. Despite dominating possession, Inter faced some anxious moments in the first half, with Sommer making a crucial save from Edmilson's powerful header and then narrowly avoiding a long-range shot from Dastan Satpayev that clipped the crossbar.

Inter's relief was palpable when Lautaro Martinez broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime, sending the home team into the break with a 1-0 lead. The Argentine striker's goal came after a period of sustained pressure, and it seemed only fitting that Inter should be ahead given their dominance on the pitch.

Inter maintain their perfect start 💯#UCL pic.twitter.com/o5jyjKXjIb

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 5, 2025

Lautaro Martinez showcased his exceptional skill, scooping a right-foot shot into the near post after an initial blocked effort, securing his fourth European goal of the season. This impressive move marked the end of his first-half duties as he was substituted just before halftime.

The Argentine's substitution turned him into a stunned spectator as Kairat Almaty caught Inter off guard and leveled the score in the early stages of the second half.

MVP MVP MVP🏅 pic.twitter.com/X8PTAdDS4M

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter) November 5, 2025

Ofri Arad made history by becoming the first player to score against Inter in the 2025/26 league phase, netting a precise header from a corner kick that looped through the air and found its way into the corner of the net.

Inter's clean sheet record was threatened, but Carlos Augusto salvaged the situation with a clinical finish, driving a low strike past Anarbekov after being expertly set up by Francesco Pio Esposito on the edge of the box, restoring Inter's lead.

Augusto's strike proved to be the decisive moment in the match, securing a fifth consecutive home win for Inter in all competitions and propelling them up to third spot in the league phase standings. Meanwhile, Kairat's spirited effort was not enough to trouble Inter's defense, leaving them 31 spots adrift in 34th position.