Champions League news - Inter hit dramatic late double to stun Spurs
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 18/09/2018 at 21:00 GMT
Champions League, Group B, Stadio Giuseppe Meazza – Internazionale 2 (Icardi, 85, Vecino 90+2) Tottenham Hotspur 1 (Eriksen, 53)
Mauro Emanuel Icardi (L) of FC Internazionale celebrates his goal with his team-mate Radja Nainggolan during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between FC Internazionale and Tottenham Hotspur at San Siro Stadium on September 18, 2018 in Milan,
Image credit: Getty Images
Late goals from Mauro Icardi and Matías Vecino ensured Inter Milan began their Champions League campaign with a win, beating Tottenham 2-1 at the San Siro.
The hosts were playing their first Champions League group stage match in seven years, but looked like the more experienced team in the first half. Inter benefitted from the visitors’ sloppiness in building play from the back.
The Nerazurri controlled the midfield and pressed well, but ultimately struggled to create chances in the final third. Striker Mauro Icardi managed just six touches in the first half.
The best chance of the opening half fell to a struggling Harry Kane, who had the ball at his feet with only the goalkeeper to beat. Presented with the kind of one-on-one chance that the England striker routinely converts, his touch instead allowed the ball to roll out of play.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2018/09/18/2421629-50331350-2560-1440.jpg)
Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur runs with the ball under pressure from Samir Handanovic of Inter Milan during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between FC Internazionale and Tottenham Hotspur at San Siro Stadium on September 18, 2018 in Milan
Image credit: Getty Images
It was a different story for Spurs in the second half, who showed far greater composure and positivity. The breakthrough came when Christian Eriksen charged forward and struck a powerful shot on goal. Samir Handanovic could only parry it back into the Danes’ path, and his second bite of the apple looped into the net via a wicked deflection from defender Joao Miranda.
Icardi, who had looked off the pace for much of the evening, converted a spectacular equaliser with the clock edging towards full time. Kwadwo Asamoah cut a cross back to the edge of the 18-yard box, where the Argentine dispatched a sublime volley.
The equaliser revitalised the Italians, who pushed hard for a late winner. It came in stoppage time when an unmarked Vecino headed in from close range from a corner.
Tottenham will host Barcelona at Wembley Stadium in their second group game on 3rd October, while Internazionale will travel to PSV Eindhoven on the same day.
TALKING POINT: Can Tottenham make an impact on the Champions League this season?
Tottenham’s composure vastly improved as the game progressed, but they looked far from their controlled and dominant best. In a tough group that Barcelona should progress from, Spurs will be fighting for the second spot with Inter and PSV. They can make the knockout stage, but they may be stretched too thin to go deep in the tournament.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Christian Eriksen
Matteo Politano was a constant threat for the home side, but the best player on the field was Eriksen. His passing and crossing were excellent all night, he gave Kane a first-half scoring opportunity on a platter with a wonderful through-ball, and his positive play resulted in the opening goal.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2018/09/18/2421593-50330630-2560-1440.jpg)
Tottenham's Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen (R) celebrates with Tottenham's English forward Harry Kane after opening the scoring during the UEFA Champions League group stage football match Inter Milan vs Tottenham on September 18, 2018 at the San Siro
Image credit: Getty Images
PLAYER RATINGS
Tottenham: Vorm 7, Aurier 7, Sánchez 7, Vertonghen 6, Davies 6, Dier 7, Dembélé 7, Lamela 6, Eriksen 9, Son, 7 Kane 5. Subs: Winks 6, Lucas 7, Rose 6.
Inter Milan: Handanovic 7, De Vrij 6, Miranda 6, Skriniar 6, Politano 7, Vecino 6, Brozovic 7, Asamoah 6, Nainggolan 6, Perisic 7, Icardi 6. Subs: Balde 6, Candreva 6.
KEY MOMENTS
37 - CHANCE! Eriksen beautifully lifts the ball over the Inter back line and it falls at the feet of Harry Kane. He's one-on-one with the 'keeper and tries to go round him... but the ball rolls away from him. Nine times out of 10 Kane would tuck that away!
53 - GOAL! Eriksen shoots from distance and Handanovic parries as far as Lamela. He lays it off for Eriksen, who hits a first-time strike which goes in after a wicked deflection off of Miranda!
86 - GOAL! Wow! What a goal! Asamoah cuts a cross to the edge of the box and Icardi rifles it in with a first-time hit.
90+3’ GOAL! Vecino nods in from the corner! Inter have stolen it!
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2018/09/18/2421564-50330050-2560-1440.jpg)
Eric Dier of Tottenham and Radja Nainggolan of Inter Milan challenge for the ball
Image credit: Getty Images
KEY STATS
- Tottenham have won just one of their previous 10 European matches away from home against Italian opposition (D4 L5).
- Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi has scored in each of his last three appearances in European competition, after scoring just one in his previous 11 games.
- Inter Milan have won four of their last five Champions League matches against English teams (L1 – vs Spurs).
- Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen has scored three goals in his last five Champions League appearances, one more than he netted in his previous 24 in the competition (2 goals).
- Harry Kane attempted no shots in this match for Tottenham Hotspur - this is only the second time since the start of last season than Kane hasn't attempted a single shot in a match he's played at least 45 minutes in for Spurs in all competitions (also 0 vs Man City in April 2018).
- This is the first time that Spurs have lost three consecutive games in all competitions under Mauricio Pochettino.
- Tottenham Hotspur have lost three successive games in all competitions for the first time since March 2014, under Tim Sherwood.
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article