Noted Italian football journalist Mario Sconcerti has downplayed the idea that Real Madrid and Borussia Monchengladbach could play for a draw in tonight’s final UEFA Champions League group stage match.
Many have pointed out that it is possible for both clubs to progress to the knockout stages with a draw, especially if Inter are to beat Shakhtar Donetsk in the other group stage match but Sconcerti does not think that the Spaniards and Germans can risk playing for a draw.
“There is a misunderstanding in the air about Inter-Shakhtar and that is that a draw between Real and Borussia is enough to make both of them go through to the next round,” he explained in an interview with Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera, which appeared in today’s print edition of the Milanese news outlet.
“This is not the case. It is a judgment that does not take into account the Shakhtar, Real and Borussia have to play a real game because if Shakhtar wins at San Siro one of the two would be eliminated.
“This is great for Inter that all opponents are still at the same risk.”
Sconcerti then went on to share his thoughts on the game itself between Inter and Shakhtar Donetsk and expressed his thoughts on Inter.
“I don’t have a prediction for the match. From the start, Inter seems to me to be more complete than any opponent, but then they often struggle.”
In conclusion Sconcerti touched upon the absences that Inter are having to deal with for tonight’s match at San Siro, which is scheduled to kick off at 21:00 local time.
“Certainly Inter today have many important absences in the midfield, but in the middle of December they have problems everywhere.
“A great European team is one because they know these limits and covers them with an adequate squad. Inter have it.”
