Allen Hamilton
What: UEFA Champions League Quarter-finals
Who: Inter vs Schalke
When: Tuesday 5th April, 2011, at 19:45 UK time
Where: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro), Milan, Italy
Banishing Derby Blues
Inter come into this game off the back of a heavy defeat to bitter local rivals AC Milan. The Nerazzurri’s 3-0 loss on Saturday night has virtually put paid to their hopes of holding onto Serie A, one of the trophies the club won under Jose Mourinho last season in their famous Treble campaign. This competition though, the Champions League, is another and keeping arguably the most sought-after piece of silverware in Europe in president Massimo Moratti’s cabinet would in itself mark the season down as a success.
And that is the mentality that coach Leonardo’s squad are adopting, believing that the side must just move forward and not dwell on the defeat to Milan. "We feel a bit disappointed about losing, but that’s football", reflected defender Andrea Ranocchia. "Unfortunately, it didn’t go our way, but it isn’t all over yet. Last year Inter won everything there was to win and we can’t back down now."
The Italians should, and will, feel confident. Drawing Schalke offered the Nerazzurri one of the more straightforward propositions left and, having secured an impressive Round of 16 win over Bayern Munich, a return to Germany will hold no fear.
Led by a Legend
It is safe to say even Schalke have been surprised with so deep a run in the Champions League – and amidst domestic turmoil it has been all the more impressive. With a Bundesliga campaign written off almost at once, Schalke have battled against the odds since the group stage. With European form that bore no resemblance to their league musings, the Ruhr giants have slowly come to believe. The sacking of Felix Magath and his replacement by Ralf Rangnick have introduced an unknown element into the mix, although Schalke’s main ingredient remains.
At the centre of the mixing bowl lies Raul. Arrived in the summer from Real Madrid, the forward was meant to play out his days in the Bundesliga, picking up the champions’ shield perhaps, but Champions League glory was assumed a bridge too far; after all, even the powerhouses that are Bayern Munich have not lifted Europe’s major club competition since 2001. The Champions League’s all-time top goalscorer with 71 strikes to his name has not gone quietly however, and Raul has inspired belief throughout the side. And the Spaniard thinks his side can surprise again.
"We must really play the first game well to have any hopes of making it through", said Raul. "Inter are favourites, but in two legs we can surprise them. Especially by putting in a fantastic performance at the Veltins Arena."
Recent form
Inter:
Bayern Munich 2-3 Inter
(15/03; Champions League)
Inter 1-0 Lecce (20/03; Serie A)
AC Milan 3-0 Inter (02/04; Serie A)
Schalke:
Schalke 2-1 Eintracht Frankfurt
(12/03; Bundesliga)
Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 Schalke
(20/03; Bundesliga)
St. Paul 0-2 Schalke
(01/04; Bundesliga – Match abandoned)
Key absences
Inter: Diego Milito (doubt); Walter Samuel
Schalke: Mario Gavranovic (doubt); Peer Kluge (doubt); Klaas-Jan Huntelaar; Christoph Moritz; Christian Pander
Players to watch
Inter – Wesley Sneijder: The Dutchman has played well below his level of last season, but if he fires now that will all be forgotten. Sneijder can produce the goods on the biggest stage of all and for the defending champions he could prove worth his weight in gold. At the San Siro, Sneijder will be counted upon to spin magic and unlock what could be a stubborn Schalke defence.
Schalke – Raul: The Spaniard found the back of the net in Schalke’s last Bundesliga game, one which the Ruhr side looked to be coasting to victory in, leading 2-0 against St. Pauli; with the contest abandoned into the dying seconds due to an assistant referee being struck by a glass of beer, Schalke must wait for the league’s verdict. Raul will be looking to continue his fine form in front of goal, further solidifying his grip on the mantle of Champions League top scorer.
Match Prediction
How Inter react after their heavy derby defeat to Milan may be the key here. The Nerazzurri had been on a fine run under Leonardo and looked a good bet to surge through and retain their Serie A title. Having been stopped in their tracks the shockwaves could reverberate throughout the dressing room. Schalke meanwhile have little pressure on their shoulders. Few expect the Ruhr side to win the Champions League, but to have come this far proves their ability to spring a shock. A close game, perhaps a little nervy, and with Inter eventually claiming a 2-0 win.
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