Internazionale have moved themselves one step closer to the semi-finals of the Champions League after a 2-0 win over Benfica. Nicolo Barella and Romelu Lukaku scored the goals for Inter in Lisbon. Head coach Simone Inzaghi was very happy with the result and afterwards complimented his team for the effort shown.
“It was a great performance with hard work, running, determination and we enjoy this evening, but also know it is only the first 90 minutes. We did very well in both phases, allowing Benfica very little. The lads were extraordinary, but the second leg cannot be taken for granted,” Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia.
“Let’s not forget that we had three games without winning, but we deserved more on the field. It meant we had to do more, we did that today and it’s a wonderful evening, but the tie will be decided next week.I don’t think we should forget this is our third away match in six games, with many players who were coming off international duty. It’s not an excuse, but these lads are really gritting their teeth to get through and only Inter have this tough a fixture list.”
Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni was also very happy with the win over Benfica. “I said yesterday in the press conference that we didn’t get what we deserved in the last three games. We did well to stay sharp and, unlike those outside the squad, we believed we could achieve this performance,” Bastoni said. “I was always convinced the team was ready, because we never got the attitude wrong, we always created lots of chances, we just needed to kill off those games. Now this result will help boost our confidence going forward.”
