At the Estadio da Luz, the three-time champion Italians took a commanding lead in the first leg of the quarterfinals, handing Benfica their first loss in the competition.
Barella scored with a header from Alessandro Bastoni’s cross after a level first half, and Romelu Lukaku scored a second late on from the spot.
Roger Schmidt’s Benfica, intending to arrive at the semi-finals interestingly beginning around 1990, couldn’t put a glove on the guests, who controlled the speed of the game.
Notwithstanding Entomb’s unfortunate structure, they summoned a patient, proficient presentation when they required it most.
In their previous five games, they had scored two goals in all competitions. With skillful finishing, they were able to match that total in Lisbon.
“It’s been quite possibly our best game this season,” Entomb midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan told English telecaster BT Game.
“We were in complete control of the pitch. We were bending over and were all over, helping one another and we got (compensated) for it. We did an excellent job.
During the tense opening period, neither team was able to create any clear chances. Andre Onana saved a Rafa Silva shot from being headed into his path in the box by Federico Dimarco, which was the closest Benfica got.
After half an hour, the Italians had a chance to score against the hosts on the break, but Lautaro Martinez played a bad pass that was blocked, leaving 37-year-old target man Edin Dzeko alone in space.
Benfica was frustrated and was unable to get striker Goncalo Ramos involved when Alex Grimaldo shot wide from a distance. The Eagles were unable to hit their flowing best or anything close to it because Inter was pressing high up the pitch.
Early in the second half, Barella headed Bastoni’s looping cross across the goal and into the bottom corner to give Inter Milan the lead.
The goal capped a fantastic performance by the Italy international, and Inter’s defense kept a clean sheet for the sixth time in nine Champions League games this season.
In an effort to get even, Schmidt substituted midfielder Florentino for David Neres, but Inter doubled their lead with eight minutes left.
Denzel Dumfries’ cross was handled by Joao Mario, one of Benfica’s best players this season, resulting in a penalty kick for his former team.
In response to some criticism of his recent performance, Lukaku drilled it past Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.
After the Belgian had missed gilt-edged chances in recent weeks, coach Simone Inzaghi chose Dzeko over Lukaku, but he did not miss in a high-pressure situation.
Onana made a great save to prevent Ramos, who appeared to be on the verge of scoring, from scoring for Benfica deep into the final minute.
We actually need one more extraordinary game like the present one week from now.”
With the win, Inter has a good chance of reaching an all-Italian semifinal with Napoli, the champions of Serie A, or city rivals AC Milan.
On Wednesday, April 19, Inter, who defeated Porto and another Portuguese team in the round of 16, plays Benfica in the second leg at the San Siro.
Antonio Silva, a Benfica defender, said that his team can win at Milan with three goals to make a comeback.
Silva stated to Portuguese broadcaster Eleven, “We deserved more and we had the opportunity for it, the fair result was a draw.”
“The first part of the tie is here. In Milan, we will do everything we can, and we must score at least three goals to win and advance.”