Wednesday, 6th April, 2011
Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick gloried in his side’s comprehensive 5-2 victory in the San Siro over Inter last night, but admitted "we’re not in the semi-finals just yet".
Inter went ahead in the very first minute, getting off to the dream start through Dejan Stankovic. The Germans hit back though, shocking the San Siro with two goals through Joel Matip and Edu, either side of a Diego Milito strike, meaning the sides went into half time level at 2-2.
Seven minutes into the second period, Champions League record goalscorer Raul added another to his collection, before Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia turned a cross into his own net. Christian Chivu saw red after 62 minutes, before Edu turned beautifully and guided a shot into the Inter goal with 15 minutes left. It was 5-2 and 5-2 it remained.
"We are not in the semi-finals just yet, but we have a pretty big chance now", said Rangnick post-match.
"We know we have to digest this first before we can fully appreciate it. Even at 3-2 and more so at 4-2 and after the second yellow for Chivu, I was certain we would not lose any more. In the end, we could have scored even more. It is surely the best game of my career."
And Inter boss Leonardo admitted that it was hard to envisage a Nerazzurri recovery, though they would try.
"It’s difficult to think about mounting a recovery in the second leg, but we’ll try to get the best possible result."
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