While AC Milan and Roma were both humiliated in their Champions League matches yesterday, Inter Milan put on a good show for any people who watched the European champions. Both sides were equal on points at the top of the group, but with Inter's win, the nerazzurri go top of Group A. Twente and Werder Bremen played out a 1-1 draw at Twente, leaving them both tied with two points at the bottom, Tottenham in second with four points, and Inter Milan first with seven points.
Rafael Benitez decided to start with the same team which defeated Cagliari this past weekend, this is mainly due to injuries spread around the starting 11. So Eto'o playing as a lone forward with the trio of Coutinho, Sneijder, and Biabiany supporting him. And then Stankovic and Zanetti in front of the defence comprised of Maicon, Samuel, Lucio, and Chivu. Tottenham also played with a weakened side, the English side was missing their key player Rafael Van der Vaart who was sent off last game against Werder Bremen.
The match began with instant action, while some might've expected a dull game from Inter, they went out to win from the first minute. It took them just two minutes to find the back of Tottenham's net, a great move on the left wing which released Zanetti in the box to side foot past Gomes. So right away Inter find themselves leading at the San Siro, with captain fantastic the scorer.
About ten minutes later Inter were given a penalty when Gomes slashed through Biabiany at the top of the penalty box, a direct red for the Brazilian goalkeeper, and a chance for Inter to double the scoreline. Tottenham replaced Modric to put on their second keeper, Carlo Cudicini who would face Samuel Eto'o from the penalty spot. The Cameroon striker made his stuttering run up and powered the ball into the top left hand corner.
Things were going perfectly for Inter, and when Stankovic scored a third in the 14th after a well worked move, Tottenham were steadily sinking. The fourth goal was created by Coutinho in the 35th minute, a pinpoint through pass which Eto'o leaped on and finished past Cudicini.
Possession was left for Inter, and although Eto'o wasn't as dangerous as he usually is, Coutinho and Sneijder often combined wonderfully to create chances for themselves and their teammates. The Brazilian Philippe Coutinho was arguably the man of the match, some great individual skill and perfect composure enured that his side kept the ball and were constantly dangerous.
In the second half we saw more of the same with continuos possession from Interas Tottenham offered sprints of attacking flair. And in the 51st minute one of these sprints paid off for Tottenham, a great run by Bale who squeezed through Inter defenders to move into the penalty box and drill the ball into the bottom corner. Julio Cesar didn't even try to save the unstoppable shot.
The next two goals came at the end of the match, Bale copied his previous run to drill it again past Julio Cesar to make the score 4-2. And then the final goal came about thirty seconds later, same player, same corner. Bale received the ball at the top of the box and smacked it past Julio Cesar for a third time, completing his epic hat trick.
So what are your thoughts regarding this wild match which happened at the San Siro? Inter Milan will be travelling to White Heart Lane in the next Champions League matchday to replay Tottenham, what will happen there? Share your thoughts below!
7 comments… read them below or add one
I’m no fan of Inter (though I like Rafa,) but I really really hate Harry Redknapp. This was SO funny I couldn’t get enough. HR & the English press will go on about how they fought back for their moral victory, but it all smells the same — like a loser. They were humiliated! Oh, that was sweet. Best league in the world, ha!
Coutinho looks like a player, though, as does Bale, even if he looks rather simian.
I was surprised Rafa didn’t do more to stop Bale, as even during the first half he was easily getting down the left side. I heard a discussion on the radio today saying that Spurs would take more advantage of Bale down the left side at White Hart Lane, but surely a team like Inter won’t fall for the same thing twice?
Then again it is Rafa Benitez in charge.
I agree with you Ewan, but the question is, how do you stop Bale?
It was poor tactics which let Bale score three goals, and while he was very good, Coutinho truly surprised me. He had a huge amount of composure, he seemed like a veteran already with his composure and calm.
Thanks for the comments!
Inter should have sold Maicon earlier this season. The ease with which Bale roasted Maicon on the right should be a concern for Rafa! David Santon is more than capable of handling Bale, he should be given a chance at least.
Coutinho is one for the future but he needs to improve on his passing. his decision making is not the best at times but that will improve with time. I already see him replacing Pandev on the left of Rafa’s attacking trident.
You can be sure on one thing. Gareth bale will never score more than one goal in a game against Rafa Benitez. Rafa will deploy tactics that will close him down tighter than you can imagine.
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA……
Yiddos
Taxi for Maicon
And Danny LOL
Taxi for Maicon