Lautaro Martinez rescues Inter Milan against Club Bruges before half-time

Inter Milan came from behind to draw 1-1 with Club Bruges at half-time at San Siro on Tuesday, in the second matchday of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League.

The visitors took the lead when Nicolo Tresoldi converted a 30th-minute penalty, but Inter captain Lautaro Martinez levelled shortly before the interval.

The match began at a high tempo, with both sides creating opportunities in the opening stages. Yann Sommer denied Andy Diouf in the fourth minute, while Marcus Thuram missed the target for Inter moments later.

Inter then increased the pressure, but Club Bruges’ well-organised defence frustrated the home side. Sommer also remained alert as the Nerazzurri continued to look for a way through.

Club Bruges carried a threat of their own on the counter-attack. Tresoldi struck the crossbar with a powerful effort in the 26th minute, and the Belgian side were awarded a penalty three minutes later after Hakan Calhanoglu fouled Carlos Forbs.

Tresoldi, the Italian striker of German descent, sent Yann Sommer the wrong way from the spot to put Club Bruges ahead. Calhanoglu was booked for the challenge.

Inter responded quickly, but Calhanoglu’s shot hit the crossbar in the 32nd minute. Martinez appeared to have levelled from a free-kick shortly afterwards, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside in the 37th minute.

The Argentina captain was not to be denied, however. In the 44th minute, he completed a fine move involving Thuram and Federico Dimarco by sending a right-footed finish into the far corner to restore parity.

The result leaves the tie evenly poised going into the second half. Inter will need to maintain their attacking pressure if they are to take the lead, while Club Bruges will look to make use of the space left by the Milan side and regain their advantage.