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A professional FC Internazionale Milano cruised into the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League, as two goals from Fredy Guarín set them on the way to a comfortable second-leg win at ten-man CFR 1907 Cluj.
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With a two-goal deficit to overcome from the first leg, the tie was put out of reach of Paulo Sérgio's challengers midway through the first half, as Guarín's opener meant they needed a minimum four goals to have a chance. The Colombian added a second before the break, before substitute Marco Benassi's late offering ensured a match-up with Tottenham Hotspur FC as the Nerazzuri continue their pursuit of a fourth UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League title.
With goals required, the onus was on the Romanian side to go on the offensive, and Rui Pedro volleyed wide before Robert Maah curled around a post. Such home attacking intent left space at the back, however, and Antonio Cassano was disappointed not to hit the target when sent clean through on ten minutes. The warning was not heeded by the hosts, who overlooked acres of room behind their back line 22 minutes in, allowing Ricardo Álvarez to free Rodrigo Palacio and the forward rolled a ball across goal for Guarin to tap in.
The goalscorer just failed to turn in Cassano's centre moments later, but he got his brace on the stroke of half-time. Mário Felgueiras in the CFR goal fumbled, inviting Álvarez to pounce and play in the midfielder for a simple second.
Samir Handanovi? needed the use of his face to deflect off target a powerful Ioan Hora effort after the interval, before Camora brought down Benassi when racing clear to receive his marching orders. The 18-year-old midfielder then prodded a third in the 89th minute as Inter curtailed CFR's maiden springtime appearance in UEFA competition. [uefa.com] |
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