Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez is happy with the character that the team showed to beat Benfica in the Champions League yesterday.
The Argentine spoke to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews, also praising Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin for making some impressive saves.
Inter needed a statement win to really achieve liftoff in their Champions League group after a blunt opening match away to Real Sociedad.
And that is exactly what they produced against Benfica yesterday.
It was not the most impressive first half. But in the second period, the Nerazzurri were nothing short of dominant.
The final scoreline was only 1-0. But in truth Inter could have scored two or three more goals based on the chances that they created.
There was a bit of profligate finishing, including from Nerazzurri captain Martinez who hit the frame of the goal twice.
And then there were some interventions from Benfica keeper Trubin.
The Ukrainian had been heavily linked with Inter during the summer transfer window. But then he joined Benfica instead, making the move from Shakhtar Donetsk.
Trubin has already produced a couple excellent performances against Inter in the past, for Shakhtar. And he did so once again, making some brilliant saves on efforts from Martinez and his teammates.
But the young goalkeeper’s heroics were for nought. Inter got the three points that their performance more than merited.
Inter Captain Lautaro Martinez Hails Nerazzurri “Character” Vs Benfica, Praises Trubin’s Saves
Martinez said of Trubin that “We’ve already come up against him twice. He’s a great goalkeeper.”
The Nerazzurri striker went on that “I gave him my compliments,” for the Ukrainian’s outstanding saves.
Martinez said that “We showed great character to win. We brought home the result with our determination.”
“It was a brilliant second half after a first half that was more cagey,” the Argentine suggested.
“We started to turn the screw,” he said. “Benfica are an excellent team. But we were able to win the ball in their half of the pitch several times to create chances.”
“It was an important win. And being four points ahead of them now is also important.”
Martinez made clear that “All matches are important, from the first one to the last.”
The Inter captain said that “We play with humility. Step by step, raising our level and intensity because we’re coming up against top teams.”
