Marko Arnautovic gives Inter slim last-16 lead over Atlético Madrid

A late goal from substitute Marko Arnautovic gave Inter Milan a 1-0 home victory against Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday.

The Austria striker, who had replaced the injured Marcus Thuram at half-time, redeemed himself after several missed chances by squeezing the ball home after Lautaro Martínez’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Jan Oblak in the 79th minute.

It was only the second time the teams had played each other, with Atlético winning 2-0 in the Uefa Super Cup back in 2010.

Inter, last season’s beaten finalists, dominated the match at San Siro and although Atlético had their chances the home side’s solid defence prevented the visitors from getting any attempts on target.

Samuel Lino had Atlético’s first opportunity but his right-footed curler went just wide of the far post. Before half-time Martínez and Thuram had openings to break the deadlock for Inter but also came up against a resilient defence, with attempts blocked or saved by Oblak.

Inter started the second half on the attack as Federico Dimarco supplied a cross to Arnautovic, who slid in slightly late and ballooned the ball over from close range.

Just after the hour the home fans again expressed their frustration as Arnautovic, having found himself free in front of goal, sent another effort over the crossbar before the villain became the hero of the night with his late winning goal.

The return leg in Spain is on 13 March.