Inter Milan's UCL hopes hang in the balance after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Real Madrid

Inter lose to Madrid, head into Manchester City showdown needing to win

The defending Serie A champions' chances of progressing in the Champions League were dealt a major blow after falling to the Spanish powerhouse

Inter Milan's chances of progressing to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League are hanging in the balance after a disappointing 2-1 home loss to Real Madrid.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Inter needed a big performance at the San Siro to overturn the deficit. However, they were unable to find their rhythm and fell behind to a Karim Benzema goal in the 25th minute.

Inter equalized through Lautaro Martinez in the 35th minute, but Eder Militao's header just before half-time proved to be the winning goal.

Inter came out in the second half with more intensity, but they were unable to break down Real Madrid's defense. The Spanish giants held on for the win, leaving Inter needing to win by two goals in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The loss leaves Inter's hopes of reaching the quarter-finals in jeopardy. The Italian side will need to produce a special performance in the second leg if they are to progress.

Here are some of the key stats from the match:

• Real Madrid had 57% possession
• Inter had 12 shots, 5 of which were on target
• Real Madrid had 9 shots, 4 of which were on target
• Inter won 7 corners, Real Madrid won 3

Fabio Capello believes Inter can still progress

Despite the disappointing result, former Inter manager Fabio Capello believes that the Italian side can still progress to the quarter-finals.

"Inter played well in the second half," Capello said. "They created chances and put pressure on Real Madrid. I believe that they can still win the second leg and progress to the next round."

Key quotes from the match

• "We are disappointed with the result, but we are still in the tie," Inter manager Simone Inzaghi said.
• "We need to win by two goals in Madrid, but we believe that we can do it," Inter captain Samir Handanovic said.
• "We are confident that we can win the second leg and progress to the next round," Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said.

Conclusion

Inter Milan's hopes of progressing in the Champions League are hanging in the balance after a disappointing 2-1 home loss to Real Madrid. The Italian side will need to produce a special performance in the second leg if they are to reach the quarter-finals.