LONDON - What a shame! That’s the first thing that springs to mind when you watch back last night’s match. We came unstuck in London against Tottenham Hotspur. Christian Eriksen punished us 10 minutes from time, when just 600 seconds separated us from a draw which would have sent us into the last 16 with a match to spare. It’s not over however because PSV still have to visit San Siro, while Spurs travel to Barcelona.
Last night’s game can be broken down into three chunks. The first was full of character. No fear, in control, but without committing too many men forward. We battled in the middle of the park for the first 15 minutes. That’s where 50.6% of the balls were played. That’s where we let Tottenham express themselves without taking any real risks. We won 55% of challenges and, come the end of the match, we had recorded 20 defensive blocks.
The second passage of play runs from the substitution of Nainggolan until Pochettino’s men took the lead. Inter pushed higher up the pitch with Borja Valero, who ended the match with 91.2% passing accuracy, making 48 touches and creating two chances. Brozovic played 66 balls alongside him, once again keeping things neat and tidy and feeding above all Politano. The Italy winger often tried to cut inside on his left foot (he shifted the ball onto his stronger side once in every three times). That’s when the defenders also raised their game. De Vrij was a brick wall, winning 70% of his challenges, making three crucial tackles in one-against-one situations and winning the ball back on five occasions – Inter’s best performer.
The third and final spell ran from the opening goal until full time. Inter tried to react, going close through efforts from Perisic and D’Ambrosio yet to no avail.
The Champions League is all about matches like these. They’re fixtures that give you experience even when the result doesn’t go your way. Yet our Champions League campaign is not over. PSV must still come to the Meazza on 11 December. It will all come down to one night. And there’s no margin for error!
