What a difference a few weeks makes.
About a month ago Inter Milan was seen as an unbeatable juggernaut plowing through both Serie A and Champions League competition. Liverpool was seen as just a sacrificial opponent who Inter would dispose of with ease.
A 2-0 loss at Anfield changed all that.
Now, Inter returns to the San Siro today needing at least 2-0 or better victory against Liverpool to reach the Champions League quarterfinals. That result wouldn't have been seen as too difficult before Inter's recent form, which has seen the Serie A champions go 1-2-2 in their past five matches.
Can Inter erase a two-goal deficit against a Liverpool squad that has been playing much better lately? Roberto Mancini decided to use his starting lineup in Saturday's 2-0 win against Reggina in an attempt to find some chemistry in his Best XI. Will it work? Well, Inter did lead 2-0 at halftime of that match.
The issue for Inter will be whether it's patchwork defense can contend with Liverpool on the counter. Fernando Torres will surely be on the hunt for the precious away goal and the loss of Ivan Cordoba to knee surgery means Inter's defense will be without its fastest and most experienced defender.
Having a healthy Patrick Viera should help Inter today as Viera looked effective as a sub in the first leg of this series. He will need much more out of the Zlatan Ibrahimovic-Hernan Crespo tandem, which should find chances against a slow but disciplined Liverpool defense.
For those of you wanting to watch today's Champions League match between Inter Milan and Liverpool, you can watch either on ESPN2 or ESPN360.com. The match is set for a 3:45pm kickoff.
What do you see the outcome of today's match being? Will Inter find a way to get the result it needs? Will Liverpool torch Inter on the counter? Will we see overtime and penalty kicks? Share your thoughts below.
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer columnist for ESPNsoccernet.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
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The San Siro is one of the cathedrals of world soccer. It's not an easy place to be an away supporter.
That said, you have to think the Reds are favorites to advance. Based on recent form, Gerrard or Torres will find net at least once, especially considering how depleted Inter's back line is. No Alonso hurts, but those two are playing as well as anybody else in the world right now.
In the last game, Liverpool had Ibra under complete control, even before Materazzi was sent off.
I can see a 1-1 tie, or a 2-1 win either way, but given the players not available for Inter, I don't see them capable right now of pulling out a 2-0 win for extra time, a 3-0 win to advance, or a 4-1 win to advance if Liverpool scores.
Posted by: Ted | March 11, 2008 at 12:42 PM
oh how id love to see Inter lose :D
Posted by: brett | March 11, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Is it me... or does Patrick Viera look 50+ years old?
No Xabi Alonso or Steve Finnan in the lineups for Liverpool. =/
2-1 Inter. Liverpool advances.
Posted by: Steve | March 11, 2008 at 02:11 PM
Mancini will get another hard time if he doesnt play Suazo that guy has been hot but cannot get into a rhythme due to lack in playing time I hope he starts today look for him to give Liverpools slow defenders a run!!
Posted by: Jerry | March 11, 2008 at 02:13 PM
I hope Inter can get an early goal and make this interesting, but I can't see them reversing this result.
Posted by: ManicMessiah | March 11, 2008 at 02:28 PM