In match day 6 of the UEFA Champions League Inter do battle with Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven. This is a match that means more than just 3 points. Following the 1-0 loss to Tottenham, Inter face a roadblock in the road to qualification into the next stage of the Champions League.
This is the fact that Inter need to achieve a better result than Tottenham. So if the Spurs win their match against Barcelona, nothing Inter do will grant them qualification. Now that the logistics of it all are behind us, lets deep dive into the final group stage fixture of the Champions League.
That is the match Inter VS PSV Eindhoven. Although Inter cannot control their qualification into the next round. They can do their best to ensure that they make it as easy as possible. All they need is to hope that the other results go their way. Worst case scenario is that they move into the Europa League. They will be facing teams Arsenal, Sevilla, and Lazio. This match should be an enthralling encounter between the two clubs, with PSV hoping to register their first win of the Champions league campaign, and Inter looking to end the group stage on a good note, with the potential of qualification.
Inter Manager Luciano Spalletti was quoted saying “PSV is the most important match of my career.” Giving Inter fans the confidence that the team selected will be the strongest available, and will definitely be aiming to win. Especially following the loss to Serie A leaders Juventus over the weekend.
On the other hand PSV faced Excelsior over the weekend and came out 6-0 winners, giving them the confidence that they need leading up into this match. Last time they met the last meeting between the two teams goes back to match day 2 of the Champions League. PSV took a 1-0 lead which was quickly overturned by Radja Nainggolan and Mauro Icardi. It was an emphatic win for Inter giving them 2 wins with 2 matches being played. Statistics wise, PSV have been winless in their Champions League campaign. From 5 matches they have lost 4 and drawn 1. This leaves them last and out of contention for both Champions League progression and a Europa League berth. Ultimately this final match for them is only for pride.
Furthering this following the defeat to Inter in Eindhoven (their first loss at home in 22 matches) they will now need to travel to the San Siro to face Inter at home in front of 65,000 fans. As mentioned earlier Inter will be playing for their Champions League knockout progression. Ultimately they cannot control their fate, but a win against PSV will ensure that Tottenham MUST defeat Barcelona at the Camp Nou. Inter will have to complete the task in front of their own fans at the San Siro.
Inter have not played at home since the 25th of November. Playing 3 away matches in a row, so the return to the San Siro should surely play into the hands of the team. Mauro Icardi will be instrumental against PSV. Inter have never lost a Champions League match when Icardi has scored. He needs to be in top form in order for Inter to capitalise on their match tomorrow.
Written by Bruno Altamore
