It was a brilliant away performance from Simone Inzaghi’s side who nullified their in-form hosts during the first half.
They then went ahead after 51 minutes when Nico Barella headed home a fine cross from Alessandro Bastoni after the centre back burst forward.
An experienced Inter then continued to create chances against a below-par Benfica side, before substitute Lukaku then converted an 82nd minute penalty.
The Chelsea loanee’s goal came after VAR referred a potential handball by Benfica skipper Joao Mario for review by English referee Michael Oliver, who gave the spot kick after looking at the video monitor on the side of the pitch.
Andre Onana pulled off a fine last-gasp save from Goncalo Ramos to give them a 2-0 lead ahead of the second leg at the San Siro next week.
Onana had earlier pulled off a good save from Rafa Silva when he saved with his chest at point-blank range but Inter largely dealt with Benfica’s faltering attack.
The result has put the Italian side on course for a first last-four appearance in the competition since they won it under Jose Mourinho back in 2010.
They will now be heavily fancied to progress to an all-Italian semi-final against either neighbours AC Milan or Napoli – who play on Wednesday evening.
Source: Soccanews.com
