Real Madrid coach Carlo Anclotti feels that Inter are not favourites to progress from their Champions League quarterfinal tie against Benfica.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster RAI Radio, via FCInterNews, the former AC Milan, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain coach stressed that the quality of Benfica means that they aren’t to be underestimated, but also noted that the Nerazzurri have a massive opportunity before them.
Inter will head into tomorrow evening’s tie knowing not just that they have an easier matchup on paper than had they drawn a team like Manchester City or Bayern Munich, but also that they could be in for one in the next round if they reach that far.
However, it is important for the Nerazzurri not to become complacent in assessing the challenge that they face in the last eight.
Benfica are flying high at the top of the Portuguese league tables, whilst they topped a group in the Champions League containing the likes of Inter’s Serie A rivals Juventus as well as PSG.
Moreover, the Lisbon giants made it to the quarterfinals by thrashing Club Brugge in the round of sixteen by an aggregate scoreline of 7-1.
Accordingly, Ancelotti feels that there is nothing easy about facing them, and the Nerazzurri are not to be considered favourites.
The Real Madrid coach gave the view that “On paper, the Portuguese team are the better-placed of the two teams going into it, they’ve been excellent both in the Champions League and in their domestic league because they’re solid.”
“Inter aren’t favourites, but they also have a great opportunity to redeem a season that’s been inconsistent,” the Italian coach continued.
Inter’s quarterfinal first leg match at the Estadio kicks off at the Estadio da Luz tomorrow at 21.00 CET, whilst the return leg will be played at the San Siro next week.
