Inter could have breathed a sigh of aid upon studying they’d keep away from Milan and Juventus within the Champions League Spherical of 16, though they’re properly conscious that Feyenoord should be dealt with with warning.
Nevertheless,—or a extra beneficial route—relying on how outcomes unfold.
Inter’s finest and worst-case eventualities on their highway to the Champions League closing
The Nerazzurri’s placement within the may show to be a serious benefit for Simone Inzaghi’s males, making certain they won’t meet European powerhouses like Actual Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, or Liverpool till the ultimate.
But, they’re removed from having a straightforward path assured – because it stands, Inter may face Bayern Munich within the quarter-finals and Barcelona within the semi-finals – two daunting challenges in opposition to golf equipment with a confirmed European report.
Inter’s 2023 European marketing campaign serves as a reminder that fortune can typically smile upon them, easing their path. That season, they confronted Porto and Benfica earlier than assembly metropolis rivals Milan in an all-Italian semifinal—a good draw that helped them attain the Istanbul closing in opposition to Manchester Metropolis.
A equally favorable state of affairs this yr would see Bayer Leverkusen eradicate their Bundesliga rivals within the Spherical of 16, paving the best way for a softer quarter-final. Moreover, a possible semi-final conflict in opposition to Barcelona may change into extra manageable if one in every of Borussia Dortmund, Lille, or Benfica progresses as an alternative.
Whereas it stays extremely unlikely that Membership Brugge, Aston Villa, or PSV Eindhoven will attain the ultimate, going through a powerhouse like Actual Madrid or Liverpool in a single-game showdown may arguably be preferable to battling them over two legs.
No matter how the draw unfolds, Simone Inzaghi’s aspect should stay targeted and keep away from underestimating any opponent—an error they didn’t make within the group-stage and can’t afford now within the knock-out part.