Inter Milan striker Marko Arnautovic made history by scoring his side’s first goal in the Champions League encounter against Benfica.
The Nerazzurri sustained three goals in the first half while fielding a second-string line-up.
Nevertheless, the Italian giants pulled off a remarkable comeback in the second half to finish the match on level terms.
4740 – Marko Arnautovic has scored his first UEFA Champions League goal since December 2010 for Werder Bremen vs Inter, 4740 days ago – the longest ever gap between two goals by a player in the competition’s history. Time-travel. pic.twitter.com/fS7kcV1HL5
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) November 29, 2023
It all started with a goal from Arnautovic who latched onto the ball to score from close range. Davide Frattesi then delivered a splendid volley and Alexis Sanchez completed the revival from the spot.
According to Opta Franz’s X account, the Austrian’s goal set a new Champions League record.
As the source reveals, this was the 34-year-old first goal in the competition since finding the back of the net for Werder Bremer in December 2010.
After 4740 days, Arnautovic returned to score in Europe’s elite club competition, making it the longest-ever gap between two goals from the same player in the tournament’s history.
Even more astonishing is the fact that the striker’s last goal in the competition came against Inter.
Inter Milan Striker Marko Arnautovic Returned To Score In The Champions League After 4740 Days
The well-traveled veteran even had an earlier stint with the Nerazzurri in the 2009/2010 campaign. But he got lost in the shuffle as Jose Mourinho’s squad boasted top-notch strikers.
Arnautovic represented several clubs all across the world, including Werder Bremer, West Ham and Stoke City.
Following a two-year spell at Bologna, Inter decided to bring him back for a second spell at Appiano Gentine last summer.
Last night’s strike was also his first since rejoining the club.
