Key Takeaways:
- Arsenal defeated Inter 3:1 away last night in the seventh round of the Champions League main phase
- Gabriel Jesus scored twice in the first half, with Viktor Gyökeres adding a late third for the visitors
- Inter slipped to their third consecutive loss and will need a win at Borussia Dortmund next week to advance
Match Overview
Arsenal secured a crucial 3:1 away victory over Inter in the seventh round of the main phase of the Champions League, guaranteeing their direct progression to the round of 16 and bypassing the additional playoff round scheduled for the end of February. Gabriel Jesus was instrumental, netting twice in the first half (10’, 31’), while substitute Viktor Gyökeres sealed the win with a late goal (84’). Petar Sučić provided the only reply for the hosts, bringing Inter level temporarily in the 18th minute.
The encounter began at a relentless tempo, with open play from both sides. Arsenal quickly threatened the Nerazzurri defence, but early efforts were thwarted by a series of blocks. In the first minute, a dangerous delivery from the right narrowly eluded Gabriel Jesus at the far post, thanks to timely defending from Akanji.
CEMENTING OUR PLACE IN THE NEXT STAGE 🧱 pic.twitter.com/YMPP1Gxo0L
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 20, 2026
First-Half Breakdown
Arsenal’s assertive approach paid dividends in the 11th minute. After fluid movement across both flanks and stretched Inter defending, Jurriën Timber manoeuvred into a promising position. Though his effort was off-target, it fell kindly to Gabriel Jesus, who reacted sharply to beat Yann Sommer from close range, with Luis Henrique keeping the play onside.
Inter responded with urgency and pushed forward, eventually restoring parity in the 18th minute. Lautaro Martínez produced a deft pass to Marcus Thuram, whose effort was blocked by Mosquera, while Nicolò Barella was denied soon after. The ball eventually broke to Petar Sučić, who struck from the edge of the box, curling a superb shot into David Raya’s top left corner to make it 1:1.
The hosts threatened to overturn the deficit midway through the half, with another incisive run from Sučić. However, Mosquera intervened, and Thuram’s subsequent attempt sailed over. Arsenal regained the advantage in the 31st minute through a well-executed set piece. Trossard’s looping header struck the bar before setting up Gabriel Jesus, who turned it in from point-blank range to complete his brace.
| Scoreline | Goal scorer | Team | Minute |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0:1 | Gabriel Jesus | Arsenal | 10’ |
| 1:1 | Petar Sučić | Inter | 18’ |
| 1:2 | Gabriel Jesus | Arsenal | 31’ |
| 1:3 | Viktor Gyökeres | Arsenal | 84’ |
Second-Half Developments
After the interval, Arsenal maintained their attacking momentum. Eberechi Eze unleashed a dangerous effort from the edge of the area, which was well saved by Sommer. The Gunners sought to dominate possession, stretching Inter’s defensive lines. In the 53rd minute, Lautaro Martínez advanced into Arsenal’s area, only for William Saliba to intervene at the last moment. Shortly after, Saka’s cross created a chance for Trossard, who directed his shot wide.
Arsenal continued to press, with Gabriel Jesus feeding Saka from the left; however, the latter’s attempt was blocked by the Inter rearguard. On the opposite end, Francesco Pio Esposito, having just entered the match, managed to test the visitors’ goal but could not find the target. Inter tried to build sustained pressure, keeping possession near the Arsenal box, yet the strength and organisation of the Gunners’ defence held firm.
With just over 20 minutes remaining, tempers frayed following a foul by Mikel Merino, resulting in yellow cards for both the Spaniard and Alessandro Bastoni. Arsenal’s dominance increased late on as Inter committed more men forward, searching for an equaliser. Manager Cristian Chivu introduced Ange-Yoan Bonny to bolster the attack, but the strategy left Inter exposed at the back.
Closing Stages and Implications
Inter’s attacking gamble ultimately proved costly as Arsenal exploited the space left behind. In the 85th minute, Gabriel Martinelli mishandled a long ball, inadvertently teeing up Viktor Gyökeres, who dispatched a stunning effort from outside the area to cap a professional display for the visitors and make it 1:3. The goal saw many home supporters at the Giuseppe Meazza depart early.
Arsenal’s victory solidified their place atop the Champions League main phase standings, establishing a six-point lead over Real Madrid in second. Inter, now mired in a run of three consecutive defeats, occupy eighth position with 12 points – just three shy of second, but embroiled in a congested group where qualification hangs in the balance. They travel to Borussia Dortmund next week needing a must-win result to keep their campaign alive.
