MILAN, April 4 (UEFA Cup) - Feyenoord established a firm grip on their UEFA Cup semi-final against Inter Milan tonight as Hector Cuper's bid to reach a third European final in as many years looked set to come undone.

The Inter coach has inspired Valencia to the last two Champions League finals, but his team were second best to their Dutch opponents in the San Siro.

The only goal of tonight's first-leg clash was actually scored by an Inter player.

When Feyenoord striker Pierre Van Hooijdonk found space to drill a low cross across the Inter six-yard box in the 50th minute, the ball rebounded off the unfortunate Ivan Cordoba into his own net.

The goal came just as Inter looked to be getting the upper-hand both on and off the field, with substitute Ronaldo thrilling the crowd by warming up on the sidelines after several months of injury torment.

Yet within three minutes, Feyenoord should have scored a second. The otherwise unimpressive Jon Dahl Tomasson went close with a header from Robin van Persie's cross

And although Nicola Ventola twice went close afterwards, the visitors managed to hold out for a famous victory.

The first half had seen Inter carve out the better opportunities, although Van Hooijdonk should have put Feyenoord in front as early as the fourth minute.

Somehow, the former Benfica striker managed to fire Van Persie's free-kick over an open goal from close range.

Inter's Mohamed Kallon was twice denied by the legs of Feyenoord keeper Edwin Zoetebier.

Sergio Conceicao should also have done better in the 41st minute, firing wide having been set up by Emre Belozoglu.

Not even the introduction of Ronaldo in the 70th minute could inspire Inter to find a goal.