Thuram's Headers Propel Inter to Champions League Win

Amsterdam, Sep 18 (AP) — Inter Milan's Champions League campaign kicked off successfully as Marcus Thuram's impressive aerial prowess and decisive headers capitalized on Hakan Çalhanoglu's precise corner deliveries.

In their return to the tournament since last season's heavy five-goal defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the final, Thuram's heroics secured a 2-0 triumph over Ajax on Wednesday.

Inter's head coach, Cristian Chivu, making his Champions League debut in this role, expressed pride in his team's resilience: “This is Inter,” he remarked. “A squad with experience, character, and a determination to rebound from adversity.”

The opening goal came in the 42nd minute, with Thuram positioning himself perfectly at the near post to expertly direct a header into the bottom corner. Thuram then doubled the lead in the 47th minute, as he outmaneuvered two Ajax defenders to place the ball inside the far post.

This performance was part of an action-packed first half for Thuram amidst his usual strike partner, Lautaro Martinez, remaining on the bench.

The French forward was cautioned with a yellow card in the 17th minute for inadvertently striking Oliver Edvardsen in the face, leaving the Ajax player on the ground. Thuram also narrowly missed a goal in the 33rd minute, firing just wide of Ajax's net.

Moments later, he believed he had won a penalty when he was brought down by Youri Baas. However, upon reviewing the situation through the video assistant referee, English referee Michael Oliver determined Thuram had infringed by pulling Baas's jersey as they entered the penalty area, resulting in the reversal of the decision.

With an impressive start to his campaign, Thuram will look to extend his Champions League success as Inter hosts Slavia Prague at San Siro on Sept. 30.

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