Inter Milan showed their resilience and determination when they held Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw at home to advance to the Champions League semi-finals with a final victory of 4-3. However, coach Simone Inzaghi will certainly realise many problems after the match.
When Benjamin Pavard helped Inter lead 2-1, they had a 2-goal advantage after two matches. At home, against a Bayern without Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies, the task was very simple: keeping the ball, being pressured, scoring the third goal if possible and ending the match.
Instead, from the time Pavard scored until the end of the match, the number of shots was 8 compared to 2 and the xG (expected goals) was 0.58 compared to 0.10, in favor of Bayern. Surely, cold weather and wind, with rain pouring down on the San Siro pitch, have affected Inter. However, the "Gray Tigers" also had to endure similar difficulties.
Inzaghi's side should have learned a lesson after Eric Dier equalized 2-2 for Bayern, but that did not happen. Inter were further pushed back as Bayern manager Vincent Kompany sent many attacking players onto the pitch.
To put it simply, Inter were too weak against Bayern. A team that used to play with confidence and smart tactics suddenly became unusually weak. Remember, Inter is not an inexperienced team as they have often gone deep in the Champions League in recent seasons.
Of course, Inter are still a special-trained team, one that has cut its salary but can still maintain the quality of its squad. They have not only maintained their competitiveness but have also become one of the best teams in Europe.
The Serie A side have conceded just six goals in this year's Champions League. And in fact, throughout the tournament, they were only behind for more than 10 minutes. Those are impressive numbers, but not the result of extreme defense. However, that was what Inter showed against Bayern in the second leg.
Inzaghi needs to regain the confidence of his students when their semi-final opponent is Barcelona. Instead of trying to block Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, attack could be a better defense for Inter.
"My players have worked hard. The ticket to the next round is a worthy reward for what we have done. Together with the coaching staff, we have tried to create the best possible conditions for the players.
The team is very connected and we have overcome difficulties together. We need to move forward and enjoy those nights. Giuseppe Meazza really touched us tonight" - Inzaghi said.
