Champions, Joao Mario scores hat trick but Inter comeback and draw at home to Benfica

Champions League: Benfica-Inter 3-3

Inter come out of the 'Da Luz' in Lisbon with a point that only at halftime seemed unhoped for, thanks to a comeback from 0-3 to 3-3 by Simone Inzaghi’s men, who will therefore play for the first place in Group D on the last day, against Real Sociedad.

Taking the field with a largely re-staffed lineup (the ticket for the round of 16 was already in the bag, Inzaghi had announced a large turnover), the Nerazzurri team played a first half decidedly below its possibilities, sinking three times under the blows of the evening's ex Joao Mario. The 30-year-old netted as early as 5', taking advantage of Casper Tengstedt&#39s bank to beat Audero, on 13' with a touch under measure taking advantage of Bisseck&#39s missed deflection, and finally on 34', getting in tow on Tengstedt&#39s cross after Rafa Silva&#39s missed header.

Although no changes were made, Inter came back with another header after halftime: at 51' è Marko Arnautovic, on the development of a corner, to score 1-3, seven minutes later Frattesi shortened it further with a great volley. Cuadrado, Barella and Thuram then came in for Darmian, Klaassen and Arnautovic and it was the French striker who earned a penalty at 72' which Alexis Sanchez converted.

The Nerazzurri's pace dropped in the final, as did Benfica&#39s, which after coming close to making it 4-3 with Di Maria remained in ten for the direct red to Antonio Silva: until the triple whistle the result did not change anymore, ending 3-3. In the other match of the group, Real Sociedad and Salzburg draw 0-0. Standings: Real Sociedad and Inter 11, Salzburg 4, Benfica 1.