Inter Milan vs Atletico Madrid: Narrow First-Leg Lead Earned, Borussia Dortmund Held at PSV

Inter Milan takes an important first-leg lead over Atletico Madrid, while PSV and Borussia Dortmund draw in the Champions League.

Inter Milan secured an important first-leg lead over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16, thanks to a goal from substitute Marko Arnautovic. The match, which featured both teams employing a 3-5-2 system, lacked the expected excitement and pace, resulting in few clear chances for either side.

Inter had the majority of the game's opportunities, with Lautaro Martinez missing two headed chances and Arnautovic failing to convert two more after coming on in the second half. However, a mistake by Atletico players allowed Martinez to go one-on-one with the goalkeeper, resulting in a save by Jan Oblak and Arnautovic seizing the rebound to give Inter the lead they deserved.

The match, which lacked quality and goal-scoring opportunities, could have had a late twist when Alvaro Morata missed a chance for Atletico and Denzel Dumfries created another opening for Inter.

In Eindhoven, PSV came from behind to level the score 1-1 with Borussia Dortmund in their own last-16 meeting. Donyell Malen scored the opening goal for BVB, but PSV's Luuk de Jong equalized from the penalty spot in the second half, leaving the tie finely poised heading into the second leg.

The return fixtures for both matches will take place on Wednesday, March 13th.

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