Inter Milan 2-0 Borussia Dortmund: 3 Reasons why Inter came out on top

Inter Milan revived their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund.

Following a disappointing draw against Slavia Prague and a narrow defeat to Barcelona, Antonio Conte's side were in desperate need of all three points as they looked to stay alive in the competition.

A Lautaro Martinez strike midway through the first half gave Inter the lead, which they held on to gamely for the most part.

Although Dortmund did carve out a couple of half-chances, they never looked truly threatening and Inter were content to sit back and protect their lead.

Martinez went from hero to zero in the 83rd minute when he saw his spot-kick saved by Roman Burki. However, the miss did not prove costly as Antonio Candreva sealed the victory with a well-taken finish just minutes before the final whistle.

The win moves Inter to the second spot in Group F, level on points with Dortmund and three behind table-toppers Barcelona.

On that note, here's a look at three reasons behind Inter's triumph on the night:

#1 Defensive organisation

FC Internazionale v Borussia Dortmund: Group F - UEFA Champions League

Inter have looked quite shaky in recent times. They've failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four games, and even shipped in three to Sassuolo this past weekend.

However, in this encounter, Conte set his side out with a clear plan: defend in numbers, and hit Dortmund on the break.

That tactic worked to perfection as Inter's back three of Diego Godin, Stefan de Vrij and Milan Skriniar kept Dortmund at bay for the most part.

The visitors hardly created any clear-cut chances in the opening period. And despite showing massive improvement in the second half, they failed to break down a stubborn Inter backline.

#2 Samir Handanovic's brilliance between the sticks

Samir Handanovic further enhanced his reputation as one of the finest 'keepers in the world with a solid performance between the sticks for Inter against Borussia Dortmund.

Handanovic was called into action late in the first half after Dortmund carved open the Inter defence. Jadon Sancho found himself through on goal but was denied by Handanovic's outstretched right hand, as the Slovenian kept Inter in the lead heading into half-time.

Handanovic was forced into another great save just past the hour mark, this time off Julian Brandt's deflected strike. The German received the ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a shot on goal, only for it to be deflected by an Inter defender. Handanovic though was alert to the proceedings and managed to adjust his body in time to pull off another smart save.

The Slovenian also took command of his box during set-piece situations, charging off his line to deal with corner and free-kicks in what was a world-class display of goalkeeping on the night.

#3 Dortmund's lack of an out-and-out striker; Marco Reus' absence

Slavia Praha v Borussia Dortmund: Group F - UEFA Champions League

Borussia Dortmund were dealt a major blow earlier this week when it was revealed that Marco Reus would not be travelling to Italy as he was suffering from the flu.

With Paco Alcacer also out injured and Mario Gotze unlikely to last the full 90 minutes, Dortmund were forced to field Julian Brandt in a false nine role, with Jadon Sancho and Thorgan Hazard on either side of him.

Brandt was poor on the night and failed to test the Inter defence whatsoever. A winger by trade, he struggled to engage the Inter defenders in battles that could have freed up space for the likes of Sancho and Hazard.

Although Dortmund did eventually manage to carve out a few chances, the absence of a striker in the box to get on the end of crosses proved to be their undoing.