A year ago
After returning to San Siro with a sizable advantage, Simone Inzaghi has pleaded with his team to make sure they defeat Benfica.
After a 2-0 victory at Benfica put Inter Milan in control of their Champions League quarterfinal, Simone Inzaghi believes that his team must replicate its performance from the first leg at San Siro.
Inter have lost their previous six games across all competitions before into Tuesday's game at Stadium da Luz.
Nevertheless, goals from Nicolo Barella and Romelu Lukaku in the second half put them in control as they try to defeat Benfica and go to their first Champions League last four since winning the illustrious trophy in the 2009–10 campaign.
But, Inter must first ensure that they go past the quarterfinal, and Inzaghi urged his team to build on their impressive first-leg performance to secure their advancement on home soil next Wednesday.
At his post-game press conference, Inzaghi told reporters, "I am really delighted with the match played by the boys."
"We are having a good time and are aware that we have already advanced to the semifinals.
"We'll play a grueling team that was previously unblemished [in this season's Champions League] in a rematch.
The boys played well; we deserved to win. Yet, we are aware that the Champions League final is not yet decided.
"Benfica is a powerful, elite team. In the second leg, we are confident in our advantage. We'll have to play the same game in Milan that we did in Lisbon.
Inter played far better in the second half than they did in the first, recording just 0.11 anticipated goals in the first 45 minutes while only getting two touches in the Benfica penalty area.
The visitors' first shot on goal, a fine header from Barella, gave them a 1-0 lead in the 51st minute. Inzaghi attributed the visitors' lackluster start to his team's hectic recent schedule, saying: "Let's not forget that it's the fourth game in a few days, the third in six.
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