Inter waved goodbye to the Champions League after a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Atletico Madrid. Simone Inzaghi’s men were minutes away from progressing from this blockbuster last-16 tie but conceded late before a shutout nightmare.
Everything seemed to be going Nerazzurri’s way when Federico Dimarco opened the scoring at the Metropolitano Stadium, doubling the Italians’ lead after a 1-0 first-leg win. However, Diego Simeone’s side replied almost immediately as Antoine Griezmann slotted home a fortunate rebound.
Runaway Serie A leaders were still on their way into the quarter-finals at halftime. But Inzaghi’s defensive-minded football after the break backfired on Inter. Just as it looked like the visitors could weather the storm after enduring the siege for most of the second half, Memphis Depay put the ball past Yann Sommer in the 87th minute.
Inter failed to deal with the shock. Atletico’s defensive stubbornness prevented Inzaghi’s troops from attempting a shot on target in extra-time. Once the match went to penalties, there was only one winner. Morally devastated after an exhausting game, three Nerazzurri players failed from the spot as the Spaniards eked out a massive win.
Let’s look at our Inter ratings.
Inter (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer – 7.5
The Swiss goalkeeper delivered another talismanic performance despite conceding twice. His numerous saves kept Inter alive, but Inzaghi’s frontlines refused to grab the lifeline their stopper threw them several times.
Alessandro Bastoni – 7
Although the highly-rated center-back performed reasonably well against Griezmann and impressed in aerial duels, his well-documented calmness on the ball was nowhere to be seen.
Stefan de Vrij – 6.5
He could’ve reacted better when the ball bounced past him before falling nicely for Griezmann for the equalizer. But he was up to the task for the rest of the game.
Benjamin Pavard – 6.5
After an outstanding first-half performance, the Frenchman ran out of steam, often struggling to close space behind Denzel Dumfries, who couldn’t cope with Samuel Lino.
Denzel Dumfries – 5.5
Inzaghi will probably regret playing the Dutchman instead of Matteo Darmian, who would’ve probably done better in defense.
Nicolo Barella – 6
Too many erratic passes and slow thinking saw him give away possession almost effortlessly, especially in the first half. Despite growing into the contest later on, this wasn’t his night.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 7
The Turkish midfielder held up his end of the bargain when asked to orchestrate the team’s play from the back and did well helping his backline.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6
Fatigue might have taken its toll as the Armenian wasn’t a shadow of a player who has been dominating Serie A midfields this season.
Federico Dimarco – 7.5
Let’s put the goal aside. The attacking-minded left-back was perhaps the most threatening Inter player tonight, constantly providing depth down the flank and creating Atletico’s defenders all sorts of problems.
Lautaro Martinez – 6
The Inter captain turned on ‘stealth mode’ when his team needed him the most. One of his weakest showings this season!
Marcus Thuram – 6
Can’t be accused of a lack of trying, yet he could and should have done better on several occasions when Inter had a chance to hurt their hosts on the counter.
Substitutes
Matteo Darmian – 6.5
Francesco Acerbi – 6
Davide Frattesi – 6
Yann Bisseck – 6
Alexis Sanchez – 5
Davy Klassen – 5.5
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