Inter are out of the Europa League after throwing away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at Hapoel Be’er-Sheva, as Samir Handanovic was sent off.
Follow the build-up and action from all today’s Europa League fixtures in the LIVEBLOG.
Inter are out of the Europa League after throwing away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at Hapoel Be’er-Sheva, as Samir Handanovic was sent off.
Follow the build-up and action from all today’s Europa League fixtures in the LIVEBLOG.
The Nerazzurri made their continental debut under Stefano Pioli after Frank de Boer and caretaker manager Stefano Vecchio, but only a victory would keep them in the running for qualification following one win and three defeats. Gary Medel, Davide Santon and Rodrigo Palacio were injured, with Geoffrey Kondogbia, Joao Mario, Stevan Jovetic and Gabigol not on the UEFA roster. Hapoel Be’er-Sheva earned a shock 2-0 win at San Siro in the opening group game, yet hadn’t scored in their two home fixtures, picking up one point against Southampton and Sparta Prague.
There was a very early scare when Benjamin Bitton’s cross took a deflection to loop up and thumped the top of the crossbar.
However, Inter opened the scoring when Mauro Icardi snuck up on his markers to volley in a low Eder cross with the inside of his right boot from six yards.
Buzaglo dived in the box and probably should’ve been booked for simulation, but Inter doubled their lead with a passing move between Icardi and Eder, Marcelo Brozovic eventually curling a magnificent left-foot finish from the edge of the box in off the inside of the far post.
Pioli’s men were in complete control, so Hapoel made a tactical change after just 36 minutes, while Samir Handanovic was booked for time-wasting before the break.
Icardi risked a third goal when he turned on the spot to smash his strike against the crossbar from the tightest of angles, but they switched off at the back and conceded.
Joao Miranda didn’t put much effort into his jump, so Radi’s cross from the right found a Lucio Maranhao diving header from six yards.
Hapoel were suddenly more confident and Ogu’s scorching volley was over the bar, then Buzaglo only got his toe to a Nwakaeme cross from the left, prodding it inches past the far post.
Inter were visibly resting on their laurels and had to pay for it, because Buzaglo flicked a long ball and Handanovic clattered into him. It was a penalty and a yellow card, but as Handanovic had been booked for time-wasting in the first half, he was sent off and Inter went down to 10 men.
Juan Pablo Carrizo’s first touch was to see Nwakaeme’s spot-kick squirm under his arm for Hapoel’s equaliser.
Hapoel had the ball in the back of the net again moments later, but it was disallowed for a push.
There was still time to restore their advantage, but Ivan Perisic pulled back for unmarked Icardi to balloon over the bar from 12 yards.
Antonio Candreva’s ferocious strike was beaten away by the goalkeeper, but Carrizo had to make three saves in 15 seconds on Ghadir, Buzaglo and Ogu.
Inter poured forward, Icardi’s effort deflected wide, but Carrizo misplaced a clearance and Ghadir’s back-heel flick set up unmarked Sahar to complete the turnaround, giving Hapoel victory.
Hapoel Be’er-Sheva 3-2 Inter
Icardi 13 (I), Brozovic 25 (I), Lucio Maranhao 58 (H), Nwakaeme pen 71 (H), Sahar 93 (H)
Hapoel Be’er-Sheva: Goresh; B Bitton, Taha (Radi 36), Tzedek, Miguel Vitor, Korhut; Buzaglo, Hoban (Ghadir 81), Ogu, Nwakaeme; Lucio Maranhao (Sahar 75)
Inter: Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Miranda, Murillo, Nagatomo; Brozovic, Melo (Gnoukouri 62); Candreva, Banega (Carrizo 70), Eder (Perisic 60); Icardi
Ref: Estrada (ESP)
Sent off: Handanovic 69 (I)