Inter Milan & Netherlands Star Emphasizes Defensive Solidity In Champions League: ‘Opportunities Hard To Come By, Not Conceding Important’ | OneFootball

Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij feels that the Nerazzurri’s defensive solidity has been key in the Champions League this season.

The Dutchman spoke to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews, after yesterday’s 1-0 victory over Sparta Prague.

Inter were not at their best in an attacking sense against Sparta yesterday evening.

The Nerazzurri managed just one goal on the night. And that came courtesy of a moment of genuine inspiration from captain Lautaro Martinez.

Other than that, Inter were not really able to knit together the attacking moves necessary to pile on the chances.

There was one very marginal offside decision that ruled out a second half goal which was fairly typical of Inter’s counterattacking play at its best. That was perhaps unfortunate.

However, the Nerazzurri as a whole looked a bit clunky in front of goal.

Stefan De Vrij: “Inter Not Conceding In Champions League Important”

At the other end, however, it was another clean sheet for Inter. Therefore, they took the three points back home to Milan.

The Nerazzurri have played seven matches in the Champions League this season now. And they have kept the opposition from scoring in six of them.

Meanwhile, the one goal that Inter have conceded in Europe was a stoppage time goal away to Bayer Leverkusen in December.

Clearly, Inter’s defensive record has been the bedrock of what has so far been a successful campaign in Europe.

The Nerazzurri have managed a whopping four 1-0 victories in the Champions League. That means that this has been the scoreline in more than half of their matches in the competition.

As far as the team’s style in Europe, Inter de Vrij said that “When you play in the Champions League, you’re facing the best teams in Europe.”

Therefore, the 32-year-old argued, “there are fewer chances.”

“But we’ve only conceded one goal,” de Vrij noted. “That’s important.”

“And now, we have to keep improving.”