Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana feels that the Nerzzurri must avoid any presumptions that they are already in the semifinals of the Champions League after their win over Benfica in the first leg of the quarterfinals.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset after the match at the Estadio da Luz, via FCInterNews, the 27-year-old stressed that the job is only half done even with a positive result in the first leg of the tie.
Inter have certainly given themselves something to hold onto in the second leg of their quarterfinal tie against Benfica at the San Siro in a week’s time.
The Nerazzurri kept yet another clean sheet in the Champions League, partly thanks to an excellent late stop by Onana on Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos with virtually the last action of the match.
A goal from Nicolo Barella, and then penalty from Romelu Lukaku, were accordingly enough to put the Nerazzurri in what could well look like a commanding position in the tie.
However, the reality is that across ninety minutes of football, even at the San Siro, anything can happen.
If the team is to become even a little bit complacent, then the risk would certainly that they will switch off for just long enough to allow the Portuguese team, who certainly had more than a few threatening moments in this evening’s match, to find a way back into the tie.
For his part, Onana feels that avoiding this will be absolutely crucial, and he is not taking anything at all for granted just yet.
“We can’t think we’re already in the semifinal,” the Cameroonian said.
“I always say that we can’t be afraid,” he continued. “I’m happy with the work that the team did, we had to suffer against a great team.”
“Now back in the league, we have a gap to make up, against Monza will be an important match and we have to stand up and be counted,” Onana added.
