Inter have defeated Viktoria Plzen away from home 2-0 for their first victory in the Champions League group stage.
Match Review –
1st half:
A cool, calm and collected Inter didn’t really get out of third gear in the entire match. At times, it felt like a practice session since there wasn’t too much intensity from either team.
One of Inter’s first chance was in the 12th minute as a long ball was played behind the defence. Sykora was lucky to stay on the field as he was last man and took down Dumfries in on goal. However, VAR did not intervene as there was no clear cut evidence that Dumfries would’ve controlled the long ball.
Inter would continue to grind away and finally have some fortune in the 20th minute. A ball played into Gosens as he controlled and passed to Correa. Correa took a touch and was able to find Dzeko open on the edge.
A lovely opening of the body before Dzeko struck the ball into the bottom corner. Inter ahead 1-0 over Viktoria Plzen and the home crowd completely silent.
After this, it seemed the Nerazzurri were happy to hold possession for the rest of the half and sit on their one goal cushion.
Second half:
The second half would start as the first half finished. Very slow tempo and again it seemed that holding the ball was more important than pushing forward.
It wasn’t until a red card was shown to Bucha after a savage challenge on Barella that Inter really pushed for a second goal. One of those tackles we need to stamp out of the game, as serious injuries can come from those studs up challenges directly into the shin. Initially the ref gave a yellow, but VAR would intervene this time to upgrade the card to a red.
Nine minutes later, Inter would have their second after a beautiful string of passes put Dzeko into open space. He found Dumfries on the right and the flying Dutchman would make no mistake as Inter’s lead over Viktoria Plzen was doubled.
Overall a better showing from Inzaghi’s men who dominated the entire match from start to finish. Onana had a quiet game until he was finally asked to make his first save in the 78th minute. It shows how solid Inter were at the back with very little opportunities for our opponents.
Acerbi started his first game in the black and blue, and was close to Inter’s best. He was superb at the back and didn’t put a foot wrong all match. I think we may actually see him get the nod over De Vrij from now on, as the Italian international showed his worth in this match.
The final score 2-0 with Inter heading home with 3 points to their name.
Man of the Match –
Overall, Brozovic was spectacular and really controlled that midfield well.
So much coverage from himself and touches on the ball setup this win for Inter. He ended with 95.2% pass completions, 103 touches on the ball and 84 passes in total. A well deserved Man of the Match award for himself.
Although lately our midfield has been very shaky in previous games, Brozovic seems to be improving as the season goes on. There are games in the next month which will define Inter’s goals.
Brozovic will have a massive say if Inter proceed to the next round of the Champions League, or if domestic football will be all that Inter will participate in.
Where to next?
Inter head to Udine with a very tough fixture on their hands. Udinese have been in awesome form lately. Their only defeat coming on the first round of the season, but since then they’ve defeated the likes of Sassuolo, Fiorentina and Roma.
Some strong opponents in those three just mentioned. It will be hard to get the win, but with Lukaku hopefully back we will stand a greater chance.
Prediction: 2-1 Inter
As always, Forza Inter!
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