Inter Milan 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen: 5 talking points as Nerazzurri reach semifinals | UEFA Europa League 2019-20

#3: Leverkusen were sloppy in defence

Leverkusen's defence was in sixes and sevens.

One of the key reasons why Die Werkself missed out on a Champions Leagu place earlier this season in the Bundesliga was because of their lackluster defence. With 44 goals conceded, Petr Bosz's men were found out time and again at the back, and today was no different. Had Inter Milan only been slightly more clinical, the scoreline could have been more lopsided.

Too often, Leverkusen's defence appeared stretched out to the point that it left acres of space for the likes of Lukaku, Young and Sanchez to lay siege. The two centre-backs on the night, Edmond Tapsoba and Jonathan Tah, were in no man's land and also gave away possession in dangerous areas on numerous occasions.

#4: Romelu Lukaku packed a punch

Romelu Lukaku tormented Leverkusen's defence.

What a season he's having! Romelu Lukaku found his shooting boots again after swapping Manchester United for Inter Milan last summer, netting 29 times in all competitions heading into the tie. Make that 30 after tonight, for he once again reigned supreme and was on target for Inter Milan.

The strapping Belgian outmuscled, outpaced and outclassed the Leverkusen defence with his physicality and aerial prowess. He was the most threatening player on the field with six shots attempted and also completed 92% of his passes.

Romelu Lukaku is the first player in UEFA Cup/UEL history to score in 9 consecutive appearances:14-15⬢ Wolfsburg⬢ Young Boys⬢ Young Boys⬢ Dynamo Kyiv⬢ Dynamo Kyiv19-20⬢ Ludogorets⬢ Ludogorets⬢ Getafe⬢ LeverkusenSix-year gap. Six teams. Five nations. pic.twitter.com/d5vr1u2JVT

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 10, 2020

Lukaku's goal in the first half demonstrated his insane finishing skills as he fought off a challenge from Tapsoba before managing to nudge the ball through the legs of Hradecky despite losing his balance.

He could've easily had a hat-trick on another day, but his superlative performance tonight reminded why he's one of the best strikers at the moment.

#5: Inter Milan issue title warning

Can Inter Milan go all the way?

Antonio Conte's team were formidable on the night and thoroughly deserved to go through to their first European semifinal in exactly a decade.

The fact that Inter Milan sailed through without much hassle despite having two penalty decisions overruled is a testament to their performance, an ominous warning to anyone with title aspirations.

With just two games separating the side from a European trophy, the Nerazzurri are firm favorites to lift the prize. Sevilla and Manchester United can be tough prospects if they reach the final, but in the last two games, Inter Milan have shown that they are no pushovers either.