VIENNA - The first leg belongs to us. We've managed to dig in and get the win with another Lautaro Martinez goal. It's El Toro's seventh goal of the season and his second in consecutive matches. So far, he's scored once every 139 minutes on average. Another goal from the Argentine striker has once again proven to be decisive and carries on a trend that has developed: when he scores, we win. It had happened five times prior to the Rapid Vienna game (against Cagliari, Frosinone, Napoli, Benevento and Parma) and it happened again yesterday evening.
Analysing his game more closely, our no.10's contribution was certainly key in our win: he completed 90.9% of his passes (less than 10% of which were played back towards our goal) and won seven duels (what determination!). In addition to that, he won a penalty and coolly slotted it home. El Toro was not the only one who helped get our Europa League mission going.
The solid performance from Spalletti's side can be seen from Inter having 63% ball possession, making ten interceptions and completing 616 passes. 72.5% of the Nerazzurri's touches came in Rapid's half of the pitch.
A 1-0 away win is a result that pays testament to the good work at the back. Handanovic was only called into action once and he was ready to ruin any hopes of a home goal. De Vrij was also clinical in defence. Always comfortable, the Dutch defender won 100% of his challenges and was unbeatable all game. In the middle, Borja kept things moving for the entire team with 97 touches of the ball and an almost perfect pass success rate of 91.7%. His touches allowed Politano and Cedric to make overlaps (especially in the first half) and the Ninja who had three shots and took on his man 13 times in one-on-one duels.
It was a much-needed result and a step towards earning a spot in the next round in the knowledge that all is to play for next week at San Siro. Victory was required. There's no time to let up though as Sampdoria and the return leg are just around the corner and winning is the only option. Forza Inter!
