A wait of 45 years has ended for Inter Milan as they lifted the European Champions League after beating Bayern Munich 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu. Two goals from Diego Milito enabled Inter and Mourinho to enter the history books of this historical Italian team. iSporter Pulasta Dhar presents his views.
It could not be more ironical as Madrid could well be the home ground where Jose Mourinho will start next season, and the man keeps his record of not being beaten at home, whichever club he represents. Even though Inter won the most coveted trophy in European football after four and a half decades, the limelight was on the man who made it possible and became only the third manager to win the trophy with two separate clubs in the history of football.
The match started with Inter dominating the first 10 minutes and then shaping back into the counter attacking threat they always pose, while at the same time being rock solid at the back. Bayern had more than 60% possession at the end of the first half and 70% at the end of 90 minutes, but the score line was a complete oxymoron.
Arjen Robben threatened every time he received the ball on the right side of midfield and carved out many half chances for his teammates. Ivica Olic for once was a complete misfit against the massive frames of Lucio and Samuel, arguably the best defensive pair of Europe. Inter Milan finally broke off after having a few freekicks go their way, which Sneijder thumped towards Butt, only to see them parried away. On 34 minutes, an 85 yard goal kick saw Milito head it down to Sneijder and the intelligent Dutchman played it into the path of Milito, who after adjusting his balance dinked the ball out of reach for Butt and into the back of the net.
If Inter could hold down Barcelona with 10 men, they could surely do so with 11 to Bayern. The Italians should have been 2 up when Milito returned the ball to Sneijder in the box who had ample space to make Munich pay, but shot straight at the goalkeeper from a great position. Bayern were in no doubt that they had to penetrate the Inter backline to get anything from this match and without the silky Ribery, it was tough to execute.
The 2nd half started with great intent from Munich as their first attack saw the ball played to Muller's path, but the young striker could only slide onto the ball and Julio Cesar confirmed his no.1 spot in the current best goalkeeper's list with a brilliant save with his feet. Bayern were growing in confidence with tons of possession and forced a block in a crowded Inter box, again through Muller. Milito then set up Pandev on the counter in almost similar fashion as the earlier Sneijder chance but the Macedonian's lob was beaten away by Butt.
With 20 minutes left to play, Inter finally settled all the nerves when Eto'O threaded a ball to Milito, who in brilliant fashion feigned a right foot shot to dodge van Buyten and then slid it past the keeper to make it his night. On a night like this, staying composed is the most difficult thing to do and that is what Milito displayed with unerring style.
Mourinho kept his promise of 'A hug before the match and a hug after' as the final seconds panned out in Madrid and celebrations were off and running in Italy as well as on the pitch. Jose Mourinho's celebrations were muted and he decided to leave the players alone with himself going towards the fans and waving a goodbye which had 'Final Farewell' written all over it.
In the post-match conference, according to the BBC, Mourinho said, "I'm so sad as almost for sure it's my last game with Inter. If you don't coach Real Madrid then you always have a gap in your career. Now I have two houses, Stamford Bridge, San Siro and now a third house - probably the Santiago Bernabeu." For a manager who has never hidden his feelings, it was hardly a surprise.
There were hardly any regrets across Europe because the team that beat the English, Spanish and German champions on their way to becoming Kings of Europe deserved it more than anyone. M for Milito, M for Madrid, M for Mourinho and M for Magic....can football get any crazier?
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