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Inter Milan cruise into UEFA Champions League group stage [Thu Aug 25th, 2005]
Rome (Reuters) - Inter Milan eased into the UEFA Champions League group stage when they drew 1-1 with Shakhtar Donetsk to seal a 3-1 aggregate win.
The game was played in an empty San Siro stadium, the first of a four-match ban on spectators imposed by UEFA on Inter as a punishment for crowd trouble during their Champions League quarter-final against AC Milan in April.
The lack of home support barely troubled Inter, who went ahead in the 13th minute when striker Alvaro Recoba beat Shakhtar keeper Jan Lustuvka with a precise shot through a group of players which went in at the far post.
Gradually, however, the Ukrainian champions found their rhythm and Ciprian Marica burst down the right wing and cut the ball across the for Brazilian striker Elano to equalise midway through the half.
Shakhtar continued to enjoy better possession until the interval, but struggled to break down their opponents' defence.
Inter quickly reimposed their authority after the break. Lustuvka pulled off a fine double-save to prevent Santiago Solari putting the home side ahead again and Tomas Hubschman turned a powerful shot by Adriano behind for a corner.
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