Inter Milan and FC Porto are two of the most successful football clubs in Europe, with a combined total of 10 Champions League titles between them. These two teams have a long history of facing each other in various competitions, and their matches have always been highly anticipated by fans.
In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and explore the timeline of the Inter Milan vs FC Porto Timeline.
Early Encounters (1950s-1960s)
The first time Inter Milan and FC Porto faced each other was in the 1956-57 European Cup, where Inter Milan emerged victorious with a 3-1 aggregate score. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the rivalry between these two clubs truly began.
In the 1963-64 European Cup, FC Porto defeated Inter Milan in the quarter-finals with a 3-1 aggregate score. This was the first time FC Porto had beaten Inter Milan, and it marked the beginning of a fierce rivalry between the two clubs.
The 1965 European Cup Final
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The most memorable encounter between Inter Milan and FC Porto in the 1960s was the 1965 European Cup Final. Both teams had made it to the final after defeating some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
The match was played at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, and it was a tense and closely contested affair. FC Porto took the lead in the 22nd minute through a goal from Fernando Peres, but Inter Milan equalized just before half-time through a goal from Sandro Mazzola.
The second half saw both teams create chances, but neither could find the back of the net. The match went into extra time, and it was Inter Milan who emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, thanks to a goal from Jair.
This was Inter Milan’s second European Cup title, and it was a bitter defeat for FC Porto, who had come so close to winning their first European trophy.
The 1980s and 1990s
The rivalry between Inter Milan and FC Porto continued in the 1980s and 1990s, with both teams facing each other in various European competitions.
In the 1984-85 UEFA Cup, FC Porto defeated Inter Milan in the quarter-finals with a 3-2 aggregate score. However, Inter Milan got their revenge in the 1990-91 UEFA Cup, where they beat FC Porto in the semi-finals with a 3-1 aggregate score.
The 1997 UEFA Cup Final
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The most significant encounter between Inter Milan and FC Porto in the 1990s was the 1997 UEFA Cup Final. Both teams had made it to the final after defeating some of the biggest clubs in Europe, and it was a highly anticipated match.
The match was played at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna, and it was a thrilling affair. FC Porto took the lead in the 32nd minute through a goal from Domingos, but Inter Milan equalized just before half-time through a goal from Ivan Zamorano.
The second half saw both teams create chances, but neither could find the back of the net. The match went into extra time, and it was FC Porto who emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, thanks to goals from Domingos and Brazilian striker Jardel.
This was FC Porto’s first UEFA Cup title, and it was a bitter defeat for Inter Milan, who had come so close to winning their third UEFA Cup title.
Recent Encounters (2000s-Present)
The rivalry between Inter Milan and FC Porto has continued in the 2000s and the present day, with both teams facing each other in various competitions.
In the 2004-05 UEFA Champions League, FC Porto defeated Inter Milan in the round of 16 with a 3-1 aggregate score. However, Inter Milan got their revenge in the 2011-12 UEFA Champions League, where they beat FC Porto in the round of 16 with a 3-2 aggregate score.
The 2020-21 UEFA Champions League Group Stage
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The most recent encounter between Inter Milan and FC Porto was in the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League group stage. Both teams were drawn in Group B, along with Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk.
The first match between Inter Milan and FC Porto was played at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, and it ended in a 0-0 draw. The second match was played at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, and it was a thrilling affair.
FC Porto took the lead in the 10th minute through a goal from Colombian striker Luis Díaz, but Inter Milan equalized just before half-time through a goal from Romelu Lukaku. The second half saw both teams create chances, but neither could find the back of the net. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams sharing the points.
Conclusion
The rivalry between Inter Milan and FC Porto has produced some memorable matches over the years. From the 1965 European Cup Final to the recent encounters in the UEFA Champions League, these two teams have always given their all when facing each other.
As both teams continue to compete in various competitions, it is safe to say that the Inter Milan vs FC Porto rivalry will continue to entertain football fans for years to come.
