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| Çalhanoğlu’s penalty seals win for Inter |
Arsenal traveled to Milan on November 6, 2024 for matchday 4 of the 2024–25 Champions League. Inter Milan took a 1–0 win at San Siro. A first‑half penalty by Hakan Çalhanoglu proved decisive .
Both sides began with calm play. Arsenal held more possession but lacked clear shots. They kept the ball for 62.8 percent of the match. Inter managed just 37.2 percent .
Arsenal’s pass count far outmatched Inter’s. The Gunners completed 437 passes to Inter’s 236 . But most grew into tame efforts from distance. Only four of Arsenal’s 20 shots tested Yann Sommer .
Inter stayed compact. They made only seven total attempts. Their lone goal came from the penalty spot. No other shot found the target .
The key moment came in first‑half stoppage time. A low cross struck Mikel Merino’s arm in the box. Video review awarded the spot‑kick. Çalhanoglu sent Aaron Ramsdale the wrong way .
Arsenal pushed for an equaliser after the break. Gabriel Jesus had a clear chance, but his shot was blocked . They threw bodies forward. They earned 13 corners but could not find the net .
Inter’s keeper made four saves to keep a clean sheet. Ramsdale did not face a single save . That balance summed up the match.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praised his team’s domination yet lamented the result. He noted 21 attempts and strong control. He called the penalty the only true chance Inter made .
This win lifted Inter to fifth in Group B. Arsenal slipped to 12th. Both teams head into matchday 5 with much to prove .
Across their history, Arsenal and Inter met only once before in this stage. Inter lead head‑to‑head 2–1 in wins. They share five goals each in their clashes .
Arsenal’s season remains strong. They sit second in the Premier League and reached the Champions League semis for first time since 2009–10. Their group stage record still looks healthy with one win, one draw, and two defeats .
Inter continue solid form at home. They remain unbeaten across all competitions at San Siro. Their defence has kept five straight Champions League clean sheets. Only Juventus and United matched that feat before .
Arsenal now face Chelsea in the league this weekend. They must quickly rebound. Inter host Feyenoord next, aiming to clinch knockout spot .
This Milan night proved margins so fine in Europe. One penalty settled a match of few clear chances. Both sides leave with talking points on attack, defence and finishing. Fans can expect more drama when they meet again.