Inter coach regrets only winning Porto 1-0
"We played well against a physical team," Inzaghi said after the game. "Unfortunately the team couldn't convert some of the chances in the first half. We had some risks after the break, but the players coming on from the bench did their job."
Tactically, Inzaghi said that Inter had difficulty with Porto's strong pressing style. He may change the way he plays in the second leg on March 14. "We should have moved the ball faster and developed the game from the bottom," concluded Inzaghi.
Yesterday, Inzaghi surprised Lukaku, Brozovic Dumfries on the bench, and only launched these three stars in the second half. "All played well," Inzaghi explained. "The team has to rotate because I need everyone's contribution. We have to play a lot of games this season, and everyone will have a chance."
Inter is slightly better than Porto in the first leg. The home team had 10 shots on target, three phases ahead of their opponent and 60% of possession. Goalkeepers Diogo Costa and Andre Onana both made excellent saves. After Otavio of Porto received a second yellow card in the 78th minute, Inter took advantage of the advantage.
In the 86th minute, Lukaku used Barella's pass to score. The Belgian striker hit the post with his header, but promptly shot back into the goal.
Porto has a home advantage in the second leg on March 14. However, they will lose Otavio due to suspension.
This season, Inter surprised when they eliminated Barca in the group stage. If they beat Porto, they will reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in 12 years.