Standout figure defines Inter's night with set-piece punch and rock-solid leadership | OneFootball

Gabriel Mercado headed a corner in the 28th minute to put Internacional on course for a 2-0 win over Chapecoense. The centre-back's aerial strength and calm defending set the tone.

His breakthrough came from a classic routine, ghosting to the near post to glance in Vitinho's delivery (28.). It rewarded Inter's early pressure and gave Colorado a platform to manage the game.

After the restart he stepped out decisively, threading a pass for Rodrigo Villagra whose strike was saved by Léo Vieira (73.). The sequence underlined his authority on both sides of the ball against Chape.

He finished with four aerial duels won, two tackles won from two and six possessions regained, plus 42 accurate passes from 49. Those numbers captured how he dominated his box and helped ensure Verdão do Oeste did not register a single attempt on target.

The display lifts Inter from 18th to 12th in the table, with Colorado hosting São Paulo next. Chape slip to 15th and face Atlético Mineiro next.

How high would you rate Mercado's performance tonight?