An open match, five goals and a very important win for Inter in what has so far been a very tough Champions League campaign.
Let’s jump into the key takeaways from this match.
The beast awakens –
Give Lukaku a sniff and he will take it.
That first Lukaku goal was his absolute bread and butter. One on one with the defender, a little shimmy and next thing you know the ball is in the opposite corner. Left foot or right foot, this guy can do it all.
Even when Lautaro hit the post, it all came from a Lukaku lay off which perfectly set up the play. These two are starting to get their combinations back on track which is a massive positive for Inter.
Since Inter signed Lukaku he has been nothing but outstanding, so this performance tonight just amplifies how important he is for Inter. Two goals in such a crucial match is exactly what Lukaku was purchased for.
The wingback we never knew we needed –
Matteo Darmian – Another Manchester United “reject” so they say.
It would be true in the statement saying that no one expected much in the signing of Darmian. Matteo was initially purchased to be a backup for Perisic, Hakimi and Young.
In every match Darmian has started, he has been close to the best on field which would sit well with Conte considering it was the signing he pushed hard for. His speed may have been lost with some injuries over the years, but his placement and commitment in defence has been exemplary.
Tonight, Darmian scored the opener in what was a fantastic strike. Just the start Inter was looking for. An overlapping run from the wingback with Gagliardini playing him in on goal, and Matteo took his chance well.
Too little, too late?
Finally Inter have bagged 3 points from a Champions League group stage match. The moment all Inter fans have been waiting all campaign to see.
Prior to this game, Inter had only managed 2 points from 12 in total. So one could understand the joy of this Inter team travelling to Monchengladbach and picking up a thrilling victory.
Unfortunately, Inter will need results to go their way on the last matchday to get through to the knock-out stage. All Inter supporters will be praying for an Inter win, and also a win to either team in the other match. If the other game ends in a draw, it’s campaign over!
Where to next?
Inter are back at home to take a Bologna team who have struggled away from home this season.
Inter will look to continue their winning form deep into December and hopefully be leading the title race come January.
Written by Matthew Pickham
