Inter's dramatic victory of the Champions League on Bayern Munich was the result of their strong mentality, but more work is waiting for them in the second stage, says Simone Inzaghi.
Inter took a huge step in the direction of the semi-final of the Champions League on Tuesday, won 2-1 in the Allianz Arena and gave herself a lead over the defeat in San Siro next week.
Treble-Chasing Inter, who only admitted three goals this season in 11 Champions League matches, took a 88th minute winner by Davide Fratesi only three minutes after Bayern was leveled by replacement Thomas Muller.
It was the first defeat of the Bavarians in this competition since April 2021, which ended a series of 22 of such competitions without defeat (17 wins, five draws).
“We had a great depth in our game and that makes us happy,” said Inzaghi.
“We know Bayern's figures, we have done something important, but it doesn't matter unless we do it for our fans in the second stage in San Siro.
“We know that it is only the peace in the draw, the second will be in San Siro.
“Bayern is a very strong side, but we went toe to toe in determination, courage and aggression with them.”
Inter Captain Lautaro Martinez scored the opener in the 38th minute after Bayern hit the post by Harry Kane, who was found completely uncomfortable by Michael Olise.
But the steel defense of the Nerazzurri held on most of the game, although Bayern had 58.4% of the possession and tried twice as many shots (20 to 10).
“They tried it, but they found an inter -team that played well,” said Inzaghi.
“We came out very well, as with the second goal, when we played the ball and thought a great goal.
“We said we had to take possession of Bayern. If they have it, it is a problem to take it away from them. We had to come here with personality.
“Bayern tried to press us, but we played quality football to get out of it. We also deserve the honor for believing in victory until the last minute, despite the fact that they have given a goal a few more moments.”
The return bone will be in Milan next Wednesday and the winner will be confronted with Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund in the last four.