Inter secured its spot in the Gauchão semifinals with one round to spare. Thanks to a dominant performance, the team is back on top of the standings and ready for the knockout stage.

On Wednesday night, Inter put on a show at the 19 de Outubro Stadium, ending São Luiz’s two-year unbeaten streak. Goals from Vitinho, Enner Valencia, and Wanderson sealed the 3-1 victory. With this result, Inter now leads Group B with 17 points and guarantees home-field advantage for the next phase.

Fast Start and First-Half Battle

Right from the opening whistle, Inter showed it was determined to take control. The team pressed high, created early chances, and kept São Luiz on the defensive.

It didn’t take long for Inter to break the deadlock. In the 12th minute, Vitinho intercepted a poor pass and charged toward the edge of the box. With a powerful left-footed strike, he sent the ball into the bottom corner, putting Inter ahead 1-0.

The team kept up the pressure and nearly doubled the lead when Bernabei’s goal was ruled offside. However, São Luiz responded. In one of their rare attacks, Rafael Goiano headed home a free kick, leveling the match 1-1. The teams went into halftime tied, with everything still up for grabs.

Second Half: Substitutions Make the Difference

As the second half kicked off, Inter quickly regained control. Sensing the need for fresh energy, Coach Roger Machado made two key changes. He brought on Enner Valencia and Wanderson, which immediately shifted the game’s momentum.

Just minutes later, Valencia scored a brilliant goal. After receiving a precise pass from Borré, he dribbled past a defender and fired a powerful shot into the top corner—2-1 for Inter!

🇨🇴✈️🇪🇨🥅!

Cruzamento preciso de Rafael Borré para Enner Valencia, o 𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐓 domina com estilo, finta o adversário e acerta um 𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗼 para ampliar o placar em Ijuí! 🫡🤝🐐 pic.twitter.com/nawRXOrgCE

— Sport Club Internacional (@SCInternacional) February 13, 2025

The celebrations had barely ended when Valencia turned playmaker. He found Wanderson with a perfect through ball. Wanderson sprinted into the box and blasted the ball past the goalkeeper, extending Inter’s lead to 3-1.

Inter came close to scoring a fourth goal when Carbonero hit the post, and Medina made a crucial save to deny another shot. Still, the damage was done. Inter left the field with a well-deserved victory and a spot in the semifinals.

Top Performer of the Match: Enner Valencia

Without a doubt, Enner Valencia was the game’s standout player. His entry into the match changed everything. First, he scored a stunning goal that gave Inter the lead. Then, he set up Wanderson with a perfectly timed assist that sealed the victory. His vision, speed, and clinical finishing made him the difference-maker in the second half.

Final Match of the Group Stage

Inter will close the group stage at home this Saturday (02/15) against Monsoon. A win would give Inter the best record of the phase and full control of the knockout rounds.