Group F
Artmedia Bratislava 1-1 Internazionale
A goal by Argentine centre forward Julio Cruz in the 17th minute was all that separated Artmedia Bratislava and Internazionale, as the Italians struggled to break the brave resistance of their hosts.
Decamping across the Danube from their own tiny residence to the impressive Telenhe Pole stadium, the Slovakians gave their thousands of supporters plenty to cheer about during the club’s inaugural Champions League tie.
They defended stoutly in the first half, and attacked with incision and flair throughout much of the second, particularly after the visitors’ midfield pivot Juan Sebastian Veron was given his marching orders after taking a free kick without the referee’s consent. Their best chances came courtesy Harteg and Helaner, both of whom saw their shots saved late on.
Ultimately, however, they couldn’t cancel out Cruz’s first half strike, and Inter could have doubled their lead save for the woodwork, which denied Adriano’s blistering second half free kick.
Artmedia Bratislava 0 – 1 Inter
Scorer: JR Cruz 17
