Inter Milan fought back from 3-0 down to rescue a point with three goals in the second half in a pulsating 3-3 draw at Benfica in a Champions League Group D clash on Wednesday after Joao Mario netted a hat-trick for the hosts.
Benfica broke the deadlock after five minutes when Joao Mario finished first time after Casper Tengstedt headed it down for the former Inter player.
He then capitalised on a failed clearance from the Inter defence eight minutes later to double the lead, before completing his hat-trick in the 34th minute when he bundled the ball home from close range from a cross.
Marko Arnautovic pulled one back for Inter six minutes into the second half, while Davide Frattesi scored another goal for the visitors seven minutes later with a well-placed volley.
Alexis Sanchez completed the comeback from the penalty spot after 72 minutes after Nicolas Otamendi had tripped Marcus Thuram.
Inter, who had already qualified for the last 16, are level on 11 points with Real Sociedad, while Benfica are bottom of the group with one point, three behind third-placed Salzburg.
A fantastic second half from our boys! 👏#ForzaInter #UCL #BenficaInter pic.twitter.com/dzZkhIBzqu
— Inter (@Inter_en) November 29, 2023