Arsenal maintained their position at the top of the Champions League table and continued their 100% winning record in the European top-flight this season.
Mikel Arteta made seven changes to the team that were held to a goalless draw with Nottingham Forest at the weekend and was rewarded with a brace from Gabriel Jesus who helped the Gunners record a 3-1 win over Inter Milan.
Jesus was alert in the box to poke home a miscued shot from Jurrien Timber which opened the scoring in a closely contested first half at the San Siro. Inter then equalised through a beautiful strike from Petar Sucic who whipped a fine effort around David Raya to give the hosts some momentum.
The fortunes of the game swung again as Arsenal scored for a corner. Saka’s delivery found Trossard whose headed effort struck the crossbar and deflected back to Jesus who nodded home.
Defensive changes from Arteta ensured a more solid second half but Viktor Gyokeres came off the bench to curl in Arsenal’s third late in the game and book their spot in the last-16 with a game to spare.
Relive the updates from the San Siro below:
Inter Milan vs Arsenal live
- Arsenal take on Inter Milan in the Champions League league phase | Live on Amazon Prime
- 84' GOAL! Gyokeres comes off the bench to add third goal (INT 1-3 ARS)
- 31' GOAL! Jesus nods home second goal after crossbar rebound (INT 1-2 ARS)
- 18' GOAL! Sucic slots home a curling equaliser (INT 0-1 ARS)
- 10' GOAL! Jesus is alert to poke home Timber's effort (INT 0-1 ARS)
Gabriel Jesus’ return to form leaves Mikel Arteta with a decision to make
Tuesday 20 January 2026 22:27 , Mike JonesGabriel Jesus struck a first-half brace to fire an unstoppable Arsenal to an impressive 3-1 victory against Inter Milan and confirm their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Jesus opened the scoring at San Siro after just 10 minutes before Petar Sucic blasted the hosts level eight minutes later.
However, Jesus doubled his tally in the 31st minute and substitute Viktor Gyokeres struck six minutes from time as Arsenal recorded their seventh triumph in as many matches in Europe so far.
Gabriel Jesus’ return to form leaves Mikel Arteta with a decision to make
Full-time! Inter Milan 1-3 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:52 , Mike JonesSeven wins out of seven for Arsenal.
This is also their first Champions League victory in Italy since 2008.
A brilliant night for the Gunners who march into the last-16 with confidence.
Inter Milan 1-3 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:50 , Mike Jones90 mins: Three minutes of added time to play.
GOAL! Inter Milan 1-3 Arsenal (Viktor Gyokeres, 84')
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:44 , Mike JonesThat’s that!
Gabriel Martinelli flicks the ball over the top and plays in fellow substitute Viktor Gyokeres.
He collects the ball, gets a fortunate bounce and then guides a curling effort into the top right corner.
Arsenal get the job done in Milan.
Inter Milan 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:40 , Mike Jones80 mins: 10 minutes to play at the San Siro. The momentum is with Inter though Arsenal are doing a decent job of restricting them.
Arteta’s changes have made the visitors more solid but can they hold out for the remainder of this match?
Inter Milan 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:35 , Mike Jones77 mins: Sucic floats a forward pass into the box but Raya is sharply off his line to pluck the ball out of the air.
Arsenal’s intent is still there, though less so. Raya flings the ball quickly out to Declan Rice who goes on a driving run through the midfield.
Inter Milan 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:31 , Mike Jones74 mins: Oh hello!
Mikel Merino leaves a bit too much on Federico Dimarco and takes out the Inter midfielder’s legs.
In response Bastoni comes over and shoves Merino to the floor causes a slight ruckus which the referee sorts out.
Yellow cards for Merino and Bastoni. Play on.
Inter Milan 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:30 , Mike Jones71 mins: Marcus Thuram now has a shot from just inside the area as Inter continue to turn up the feet.
His effort takes a deflection and brings the hosts a corner.
The corner then drops to Esposito in the box but his lifts his next chance over the bar.
Inter Milan 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:26 , Mike Jones68 mins: Close! Pio Esposito is on the pitch having replaced Lautaro Martinez.
The ball is chipped into the box for him. He chests it down, spins and pushes a snapshot just wide of the far post.
Good effort from the substitute. There’s life in Inter yet.
Inter Milan 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:24 , Mike Jones65 mins: Mikel Arteta makes some changes now.
Ben White comes onto the pitch to replace Jurrien Timber in what is a more defensive move.
Eberechi Eze is also replaced with Declan Rice.
Arteta is trying to shore up the Gunners’ lead here.
Inter Milan 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:21 , Mike Jones62 mins: Jesus meets the ball and flicks it on to Saka inside the box.
Saka takes too long to take his shot and is cleaned out by a sliding tackle from Alessandro Bastoni.
Inter Milan 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:17 , Mike Jones59 mins: Almost an hour played at the San Siro with the second half a more physical and defensive affair.
Things had begun to open up at either end in the closing minutes of the first half but the better chances are coming from shots outside the box.
Inter Milan 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:16 , Mike Jones55 mins: Saka drives into space on the right wing and takes the ball to the box before lifting a cross over to Trossard.
His opposite winger brings the ball under control then drills his effort wide of the far post.
Inter Milan 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:09 , Mike Jones51 mins: Eze collects the ball and spins off a defender after a sublime first time.
It shifts the ball onto his left foot and he shoots but can’t get enough power on the ball to beat Sommer in goal.
Inter Milan 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:07 , Mike Jones48 mins: Trossard wins Arsenal a corner when taking on Manuel Akanji.
Eberechi Eze walks over to take it.
He then whips in a cross which Marcus Thuram wins. It looks like him nods it straight out but the referee awards a goal kick.
Strange.
Second half! Inter Milan 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:04 , Mike JonesThe hosts get the ball rolling again for the second half.
Mikel Arteta will have one eye on Sunday’s clash with Manchester United and so will want to close this match out as quickly as possible now that the Gunners have the lead.
HT Inter Milan 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:59 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Inter Milan 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:48 , Mike JonesArsenal take a slim lead into the break.
Inter are very much in this game but it’s a close one and as things stand the leaders of the Premier League are beating the leaders of Serie A.
Inter Milan 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:46 , Mike Jones44 mins: Piotr Zielinski drives forward as Arsenal open themselves up to a counter-attack.
Inter’s move breaks down with the final pass though and the ball rolls out for a goal kick.
Inter Milan 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:37 , Mike Jones37 mins: Close! Arsenal burst forward on the break and feed the ball to Bukayo Saka.
He carries up to the edge of the box then shoots but guides his left-footed strike just wide of the far post.
Inter Milan 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:36 , Mike Jones34 mins: Mikel Arteta will be pleased.
He selected Gabriel Jesus to start this match and has been rewarded by two goals already.
Arsenal will want at least one more before they’re comfortable in this match though.
GOAL! Inter Milan 1-2 Arsenal (Gabriel Jesus, 31')
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:32 , Mike JonesSaka drives into the back from the right and looks to square the ball.
He wins a corner as his pass is turned behind. Saka himself swings it into the box and picks out Leandro Trossard at the back post.
Trossard’s header hits the crossbar and bounces back to Gabriel Jesus.
He meets it with a header of his own and nods it home!
Inter Milan 1-1 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:30 , Mike Jones29 mins: This has been an interesting game so far. Both sides are having enough of the ball and when one seems to be on top the other bites back with a strong chance.
Arsenal seem calm though.
They’re sticking with the gameplan, utilising the wide ares before lookin for space in the box.
Inter Milan 1-1 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:28 , Mike Jones26 mins: Chance!
Arsenal look to put more pressure on the hosts but they win possession and burst forward quickly.
Sucic has the ball on the edge of the box but delays before slipping a pass to Thuram on the right.
Thuram shoots but scuffs his effort high and wide.
GOAL! Inter Milan 1-1 Arsenal (Petar Sucic, 18')
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:20 , Mike JonesWow!
Inter have been on the front foot since going behind. Mosquera makes a sliding tackle inside the area to stop Thuram from shooting.
Instead he pokes it to Nicolo Barella whose effort is deflected back outside the box.
On runs Petar Sucic who meets the ball with a fine curling strike and beat David Raya to slot home the equaliser!
Inter Milan 0-1 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:15 , Mike Jones13 mins: Thuram receives the ball on the left side and drives at Mosquera.
He gets past the defender but loses possession and David Raya scoops the ball up without too much trouble.
GOAL! Inter Milan 0-1 Arsenal (Gabriel Jesus, 10')
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:12 , Mike JonesWonderful finish!
Arsenal pile pressure on from the front edge of the box and work it across to Jurrien Timber.
He’s the only on in space inside the area but scuffs his effort.
Gabriel Jesus is aware though and lunges at the ball to deflect it goalwards where he pokes it past Sommer to give the Gunners the lead.
Inter Milan 0-0 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:10 , Mike Jones9 mins: Following Arsenal’s early exploits, Inter are trying to get a bit of control on the game.
They’re using Marcus Thuram as a target man to hold up possession and allow them time to move up the pitch.
Arsenal’s centre-backs have been quick to close the big striker down though and the ball is being battled for in midfield.
Inter Milan 0-0 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:07 , Mike Jones6 mins: Saka’s corner is whipped into the near post and headed away by Petar Sucic.
Sucic is shoved in the back by Cristhian Mosquera and the hosts are awarded a free kick.
Inter Milan 0-0 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:05 , Mike Jones3 mins: Inter Milan are the league leaders in the Serie A, Arsenal top the Premier League table.
It’s a battle of leaders tonight and Arsenal, despite being away from home, have started the better side.
Bukayo Saka weaves inside from the right wing and shoots but his effort is deflected into the arms of Yann Sommer.
Kick off! Inter Milan 0-0 Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:01 , Mike JonesThe ball gets rolling in the San Siro with Arsenal booting it long.
Mikel Merino and Myles Lewis-Skelly both have shots at goal and both are blocked.
Inter Milan vs Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 19:55 , Mike JonesAlmost time for kick off at the San Siro.
The players wait in the tunnel and now head out into the stadium. Inter will secure a place in the top eight should they win tonight.
Arsenal are pretty much through already but will guarantee it with a win.
Who will come out on top?
Zubimendi's creative control
Tuesday 20 January 2026 19:50 , Mike JonesMartín Zubimendi has made more line-breaking passes (46) and defensive line-breaking passes (7) than any other Arsenal player in the Champions League this term, as well as leading the Gunners for possession won (22) in the current edition.
Raya the key for Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 19:45 , Mike JonesSince the start of last season, Arsenal’s David Raya has prevented the most goals of any goalkeeper in the Champions League, based on xG of shots on target faced.
Meanwhile, since the start of the 2023-24 season, the top-ranked goalkeeper for goals prevented in this period is Internazionale’s Yann Sommer.
Martinez the star man
Tuesday 20 January 2026 19:40 , Mike JonesSince the start of 2025, Internazionale’s Lautaro Martínez has scored the joint-most goals in Champions League home matches (8 – level with Serhou Guirassy).
Indeed, he has netted as many goals in home games in this period as all other Inter players combined (8 goals, from 7 different players).
Match stats
Tuesday 20 January 2026 19:30 , Chris WilsonArsenal have a +16 goal difference in the Champions League this season. Only one English side has matched that through their first six matches in a single edition - Liverpool in 2017/18 (+17).
Gabriel Martinelli has scored in all five of his Champions League appearances this season. Only Bukayo Saka (6 in 2024/25) and Thierry Henry (7 in both 2001/02 & 2002/03) have managed more strikes across a single season in the competition for the Gunners.
Chivu: 'We're facing one of the strongest teams in Europe'
Tuesday 20 January 2026 19:20 , Chris WilsonFormer Inter defender Cristian Chivu – who won the treble with the Nerazzurri in 2009/10 – took over as manager this season after the departure of Simone Inzaghi.
He’s had a decent start to his second stint at the San Sirom, leading the team to the top of Serie A at the moment.
Here’s what the Romanian had to say ahead of tonight’s match:
"We're facing one of the strongest teams in Europe. They've invested, they have an identity and they're constantly improving. Arsenal and Bayern are the strongest teams in Europe right now, but I'm also aware of who we are.
“We won't start feeling defeated; we will be the best version of ourselves. It takes a positive attitude, a willingness to win the ball, and to take risks. We have players capable of maintaining that level of focus."
Inter Milan starting XI
Tuesday 20 January 2026 19:11 , Mike JonesInter Milan XI: Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Barella, Zielinski, Sucic, Dimarco; Martinez, Turam
Arteta: 'That's the standard that we have set'
Tuesday 20 January 2026 19:10 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had to say in his pre-match press conference:
“In the Champions League, when you have the opportunity to achieve something, you have to grab it,” he explained.
“Tomorrow we're really going to have to earn it against a top, top side. [Finishing in the top eight] is massive, we know that, and if we win tomorrow, we know that's going to be the case. So, let's make it happen.
“We keep tricking the players - saying the next one is the most important [game] this season, and then three days later it's the same! That's the demands, that's the expectations that we have, that's the standard that we have set as well as a team and as a club, and we are living with that, with joy, with enthusiasm and with a lot of energy,” he added.
A poor Italian record
Tuesday 20 January 2026 19:05 , Mike JonesArsenal’s last victory away to an Italian side in the Champions League was in March 2008.
Since then, they have failed to win on five straight trips (D1 L4), while failing to score a single goal.
Inter vs Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 18:57 , Mike JonesInternazionale and Arsenal will meet for the fourth time in the Champions League.
The Italians have won two of the previous three (L1), including one over a Mikel Arteta-led Gunners side in last season’s league phase (1-0 in November 2024).
Mikel Arteta makes seven changes
Tuesday 20 January 2026 18:51 , Mike JonesThere are wholesale changes in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI as Arsenal show the flexible nature of their squad.
The manager switches out seven players from the 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
Ben White and Gabriel drop out of the defence in favour of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Cristhian Mosquera.
In midfield Martin Zubimendi is partnered with Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze.
The forward line is a new one as Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka replace Non Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal line-up to face Inter Milan
Tuesday 20 January 2026 18:46 , Mike JonesArsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Merino, Eze; Saka, Jesus, Trossard
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 20, 2026
🧱 Mosquera at the back
✨ Eze pulling the strings
⚡️ Jesus leads the line
Bring the energy, Gunners 👊
Arsenal arrive at tonight's venue
Tuesday 20 January 2026 18:43 , Mike JonesThe Gunners are ready for this outing at the San Siro. Can they maintain their place at the top of the Champions League table?
Matchday in Milan 🏟️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 20, 2026
📍 San Siro pic.twitter.com/oUHbsIsCao
Team news
Tuesday 20 January 2026 18:40 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups will be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news for both sides...
Inter are without two regular starters in Hakan Calhanoglu and Denzel Dumfries, both who miss out due to injury. They will, however, be expected to recall big hitters Alessandro Bastoni and Marcus Thuram to the side after being rested in the league.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are still missing defensive duo Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori, along with Max Dowman. Mikel Merino, Christian Norgaard and Declan Rice are all one booking away from suspension.
UCL table
Tuesday 20 January 2026 18:30 , Chris WilsonHere’s how the top eight in the Champions League league phase table looks then:
1 - Arsenal - 18pts, +16 GD
2 - Bayern - 15pts, +11 GD
3 - PSG -13pts, +11 GD
4 - Man City -13pts, +6 GD
5 - Atalanta -13pts +2 GD
6 - Inter Milan -12pts, +8 GD
7 - Real Madrid - 12pts, +6 GD
8 - Atletico Madrid - 12pts, +3 GD
Head-to-head
Tuesday 20 January 2026 18:15 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have faced each other just three times in European competition, with the last occasion coming as recently as last season, when Inter ran out 1-0 winners at the San Siro in the league phase in November 2024.
The previous two meetings came in the group stage in 2003/04, when Inter grabbed a 3-0 win at Highbury in matchday one before the Gunners got revenge with a 5-1 win at the San Siro in November!
Match stats
Tuesday 20 January 2026 18:00 , Chris WilsonArsenal’s last victory away to an Italian side in the Champions League was in March 2008, when they beat AC Milan 2-0. Since then, the Gunners have not won in five straight trips, failing to score a single goal.
However, Inter have lost two of their last three home matches against English sides, including to Liverpool in December.
Gabriel Jesus vows to help Viktor Gyokeres find form at Arsenal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 17:50 , Chris WilsonGabriel Jesus has admitted Viktor Gyokeres is not in an “easy” position, and said no player can guarantee their starting place, following the goal-shy striker’s difficult start to life at Arsenal.
Jesus, who spent 11 months out following surgery on a ruptured cruciate ligament, could be handed his first Champions League start since December 2024 in Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Inter Milan on Tuesday.
Jesus has made just two starts since he ended his prolonged absence against Club Brugge last month, but manager Mikel Arteta is likely to make changes ahead of his side’s pivotal Premier League clash against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Gabriel Jesus vows to help Viktor Gyokeres find form at Arsenal
Arsenal inch towards Premier League title as Mikel Arteta left frustrated by Nottingham Forest
Tuesday 20 January 2026 17:35 , Miguel DelaneyHere’s the report from Arsenal’s last match – a disappointing draw to Nottingham Forest...
Nowhere as good as expected for Arsenal, and yet better than it was. In going seven points clear of Manchester City rather than nine, Mikel Arteta’s team inch forward. A bit like in play here.
While that will frustrate a fanbase so desperate to just get this title done, and the ball did frequently flash across the Nottingham Forest box in a tantalising manner, much of that had to do with Sean Dyche’s side. They needed a point themselves after West Ham United’s surprise 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur and fought defiantly for it.
City’s own evisceration at the feet of Manchester United didn’t quite drive Arsenal in the same way, but it does afford a cushion for performances like this.
Arsenal inch towards Premier League title as Mikel Arteta left frustrated by Forest
When is Arsenal vs Inter Milan?
Tuesday 20 January 2026 17:25 , Chris WilsonArsenal’s clash with Inter Milan kicks off at 8pm GMT on Tuesday 20 January at the San Siro in Milan, Italy.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on Amazon Prime.
Predicted line-ups
Tuesday 20 January 2026 17:16 , Chris WilsonInter Milan XI: Sommer; Acerbi, Akanji, Bastoni; Henrique, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Zielinski, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez.
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Zubimendi, Eze; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli.
Team news
Tuesday 20 January 2026 17:11 , Chris WilsonArsenal, meanwhile, are still missing defensive duo Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori, along with Max Dowman. Mikel Merino, Christian Norgaard and Declan Rice are all one booking away from suspension.
Team news
Tuesday 20 January 2026 17:07 , Chris WilsonInter are without two regular starters in Hakan Calhanoglu and Denzel Dumfries, both who miss out due to injury. They will, however, be expected to recall big hitters Alessandro Bastoni and Marcus Thuram to the side after being rested in the league.
Inter Milan vs Arsenal live
Tuesday 20 January 2026 17:03 , Chris WilsonArsenal will hope to get back to winning ways as they travel to Inter Milan in the Champions League.
The Gunners go to the San Siro off back-to-back draws in the Premier League, though this slight blip has not yet done any damage to their title push with Manchester City’s shortfalls allowing them to go seven points clear.
Results have been no problem for Arsenal in Europe, however, with Mikel Arteta’s side sitting pretty at the top of the table as they remain the only side to boast a 100 percent record in the league phase.
Inter, meanwhile, will hope to solidify their chances of a top-eight finish having lost two consecutive outings in the Champions League, the most recent continental defeat coming at home to Liverpool in December.
Good evening
Tuesday 20 January 2026 16:58 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Champions League match between Inter Milan and Arsenal.
The Gunners travel to the San Siro looking to tighten their grip on top spot in the league phase table, while Inter look to go one step closer to securing a place in the top eight with a win.
We’ll have all the latest team news and updates right here.
