Inter Milan entered the penultimate Champions League round sitting sixth in the 36-team standings, only to drop to 15th by the end of it.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, it’s not all lost yet.

Back-to-back top-eight finishes seemed like a done deal after Inter won their first four European fixtures under Cristian Chivu.

However, the 45-year-old’s dream has turned into a nightmare.

Indeed, his men have lost three consecutive Champions League outings, including a 3-1 home defeat to Arsenal on Tuesday.

Inter Milan Could Still Directly Qualify for Champions League Round of 16

Cristian Chivu Inter Milan
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Cristian Chivu, head coach of Inter, reacts during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Three straight Champions League losses for the first time since 2011 have left the Nerazzurri a point adrift of Chelsea.

As a result, anything other than a victory in a final-day clash against Borussia Dortmund will condemn Inter to the dreaded knockout playoffs.

Worryingly, a win at Signal Iduna Park may not be enough to restore Chivu’s side among the top eight.

Indeed, they will still need results in other matches to go in their favor.