Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan stated his team must deliver maximum effort in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. The tie is level after a 3-3 draw in the first match.
Speaking ahead of the decisive game at home, Mkhitaryan told InterTV that reaching the final remains the team's goal. He echoed comments from a teammate, saying the team would need to play at 200 percent to secure a win.
The first leg saw Inter Milan take a two-goal lead through Denzel Dumfries and Marcus Thuram before Barcelona came back to tie the match. The outcome leaves the second leg open for both sides at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
Mkhitaryan also addressed tactical preparations for the upcoming match. While Barcelona's Lamine Yamal proved influential in the first leg, Mkhitaryan explained that Inter's strategy involved preparing for the entire Barcelona team, not just one player.
Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi commented on the performance of Yamal after the first leg, noting his impact on the game. Inzaghi expressed satisfaction with his team's play in the initial match despite letting the lead slip.
Playing the second leg at home offers Inter a potential advantage. The team holds a strong record in Champions League matches at their stadium, avoiding defeat in their last 16 European home outings. They also have a favorable history against Spanish opponents at home.
Mkhitaryan stressed the importance of playing in front of the home fans in a sold-out San Siro. He noted that home support impacts performance significantly and that celebrating a victory with them would be a positive experience.
Experience and composure will play a role in the match, Mkhitaryan suggested, adding that the team must remain united to fight for the win.
