Romelu Lukaku was the star of the show for Inter Milan against Slavia Prague on Wednesday night after VAR had once again threatened to steal the headlines.
Antonio Conte’s side took the lead in the crunch Champions League clash in the Czech Republic on 19 minutes through a Lautaro Martinez goal, assisted by Lukaku, and everything was going to plan for the visitors.
This was emphasised further on 35 minutes as Lukaku tapped home to seemingly double Inter’s advantage.
However, there was then a substantial pause for a VAR check.
The decision ultimately disallowed Lukaku’s strike and ruled a penalty in favour of Slavia for a foul in the build-up as Stefan de Vrij brought down Peter Olayinka in the box before the goalscoring counter attack.
Tomas Soucek converted and the home team had all of a sudden gone from 2-0 down to getting back on level terms at 1-1 within an instant.
The home fans were overjoyed with the implementation of the VAR system, though those in the Inter away section were less than impressed.
In the end, it mattered little to Inter, as they went on to close out a 3-1 victory.
Lukaku, the former Manchester United striker, put the Italians ahead on 81 minutes.
It was his 11th goal in 17 appearances this season and the 250th goal of his career as he continued his fine start to his Inter spell.
Lukaku then turned provider once again for Martinez, who volleyed home the striker’s cross three minutes from time.
Inter now sit second in Group F, level on points with third-placed Borussia Dortmund, and facing a final day battle for qualification for the last 16.
Conte’s side host already-qualified Barcelona at the San Siro in their remaining game on December 10 and must better Dortmund’s result against Slavia at home to book their spot in the next round of the competition.
