Yesterday, an event occurred in European football that will go down in the history of the game of millions: in the Champions League final, “PSG” – “Inter” a rare score for matches of this level was recorded – 5:0 in favor of the French club. The famous former goalkeeper and now coach Igor Shukhovtsev shared his impressions of this match.
— This was the most boring Champions League final in the last ten years, — he confidently stated. The Italian team played at such a high level in both semi-final matches against “Barcelona”, and in yesterday’s game against “Paris Saint-Germain”, they were generally invisible. “Inter” was unrecognizable. They played without aggression, did not create dangerous moments near the opponent’s goal. Yes, clubs sometimes have unfortunate periods, but not in a final of such a prestigious European tournament as the Champions League.
— What do you think caused this?
— What the Milanese lacked in this match, I find it hard to say. But no one expected to see such “Inter” — neither the fans of the Italian club nor the entire football elite of Europe. It was clear that everyone understood that “PSG” is a serious opponent, yet “Inter” reached the final not by accident. But to play like that in a decisive game… What can I say, “Inter” looked very dull.
— Who were you cheering for in this match?
— For no one. In such cases, they say: for good football. But football was only on one side — on the side of “PSG”. After the score became 3:0, it became clear to many who would be the winner. There were no signs that anything could change on the football field.
— It’s likely that after the score was 3:0, even the “Inter” players realized they were doomed.
— Of course. Although in my view, they probably realized this back when the score was 2:0. However, closer to the end of the first half, while losing by two goals, “Inter” could have scored. If Marcus Thuram had scored following a corner with a header — then the intrigue in the match could have reignited. The Italians would have come to life — and the game would have gained sharpness. But not scoring, the players of “Inter” exhibited a sense of doom. It is quite natural that some fans of the Milan club in the stands were crying. After all, reaching the Champions League final and playing so poorly. And the fans cried not so much because of the loss with a score of 0:5, but because of the quality of their favorites’ play. They expected that even when trailing, “Inter” would fight back and demonstrate good football.
But in reality, there was no football as they executed it. For some reason, everyone stood back in defense — and this is incomprehensible to me. After all, if you recall the semi-final clash of the Italians with “Barcelona”, then everything was different: they skillfully broke out in attack, effectively using the flanks, and played efficiently in the final zone. It was superb! Yes, “Barca” had the advantage — both in ball control and in pressure. But “Inter” then utilized all their opportunities one hundred percent. In the final match against “PSG”, I reiterate, the Milanese did not even have conditions for anything productive. Hence the result.
Andriy Pysarenko
