Resilient Inter rally again to beat PSV
EINDHOVEN: Two matches, two comefrom-behind Champions League victories for resilient Inter Milan.
Inter rallied from a goal down to beat PSV Eindhoven 2-1 on Wednesday and record their second victory after conceding first in the Champions League.
Both times, captain and striker Mauro Icardi was front and centre for the Nerazzurri, scoring a late equaliser two weeks ago against Tottenham and the winner against PSV.
“He made the difference in a very good match despite not having much luck,” said Inter coach Luciano Spalletti.
“He’s always present in the penalty area. He has no weaknesses.”
Pablo Rosario gave PSV the lead in the 27th minute with a dipping 25m shot over Samir Handanovic.
Radja Nainggolan equalised one minute before half-time, capitalising on a fumble by PSV goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet.
Zoet was also involved in Icardi’s winning goal on the hour, colliding with defender Daniel Schwaab as both PSV players tried to cut out a long pass by Matias Vecino.
The ball bounced free to leave the Inter captain with a simple tap-in as Zoet looked on, holding his head in his hands.
“Jeroen made a number of good saves and was unlucky a couple of times,” said PSV coach Mark van Bommel.
“That’s not the reason we lost this game.” At the other end, Handanovic made a great reflex save in the 79th to preserve Inter’s lead, diving to his left to block an athletic overhead kick by substitute Donyell Malen.
“It was a good match, we showed character and a good mentality,” said Spalletti.
The victory took Inter to second in Group B, behind Barcelona on goal difference after Lionel Messi’s team beat Tottenham 4-2 at Wembley.
It was another resilient display from Spalletti’s team, who staged a late rally two weeks ago to beat Tottenham 2-1 in their first Group B match, with Icardi scoring a spectacular volley for the equaliser.
Inter, with Dutchman Stefan de Vrij at centreback, defended strongly and Nainggolan dominated the midfield battles to give Inter the edge in a fast-paced, open match that saw plenty of chances for both teams.
PSV, the 1988 European champions, have now failed to win any of their last eight Champions League matches and have no points after two defeats this season, following a 4-0 loss to Barcelona.
Van Bommel’s team next play Tottenham in a match-up of two teams yet to win a point in Group B.