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Inter ease to victory

Image: Ibrahimovic: Double strike

Two first half goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic helped Internazionale to an easy victory over PSV Eindhoven.

Italian champions too good for PSV

Two first half goals from star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic helped impressive Internazionale to a 2-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the San Siro. Ibrahimovic scored first with a penalty and then a sublime looping header to give the Italians their first UEFA Champions League Group G points this season following their shock 1-0 loss to Fenerbahce last month. The Italian champions took the lead when Jan Kromkamp needlessly pulled Ibrahimovic over when under no pressure in the box. The Swedish striker dusted himself down and wrong-footed PSV keeper Heurelho Gomes to score his first on 15 minutes.

Appeal

Internazionale's Argentinean striker Hernan Crespo had earlier had another penalty appeal turned down in the first minute of the game but the referee waved play on. Ibrahimovic then scored his second on 31 minutes with a deft header following Luis Figo's terrific looping ball across the box. The disappointing PSV offered little, with their best chance in the first-half coming when Kenneth Perez forced Soares Julio Cesar into his first save in the 12th minute with a powerful shot from the right side of the box. The Dutch champions began the second-half in more positive fashion and should have pulled one back soon after the re-start with their only real chance of the game. But Eric Addo failed to connect with a looping Perez free-kick when presented with a free header.
Sent off
Despite more possession, PSV failed to create any more meaningful chances, despite Inter playing the last 25 minutes with ten men after Christian Chivu was sent off for a second bookable offence following a reckless challenge. And Inter could have added to their total on the night when substitute David Suazo blasted over and then had another shot well-saved by Gomes. Suazo then received his marching orders after the final whistle had blown for an elbow challenge.
Internazionale Team Statistics PSV Eindhoven  
2 Goals 0  
2 1st Half Goals 0  
3 Shots on Target 2  
5 Shots off Target 9  
0 Blocked Shots 4  
3 Corners 5  
21 Fouls 24  
2 Offsides 2  
1 Yellow Cards 2  
2 Red Cards 0  
80.8 Passing Success 82.5  
19 Tackles 19  
84.2 Tackles Success 73.7  
50 Possession 50  
42.1 Territorial Advantage 57.9  

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