10-Man Inter Survive San Siro Nerves as Carlos Augusto Secures Vital Champions League Victory
In post-match remarks delivered to Sky Sport Italia at the Stadio San Siro, stand-in captain Nicolò Barella addressed a turbulent evening for Inter Milan. The midfielder evaluated the team’s narrow 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League League Phase matchday three fixture on October 21, 2026.
Nicolò Barella Admits Inter Performance Was Undeserved After San Siro Triumph
Responding to questions regarding the overall standard of the performance, Barella offered an unvarnished assessment of the Italian club’s display following earlier continental setbacks against Real Madrid and Club Brugge.
Carlos Augusto
player“All Champions League games are difficult, Shakhtar Donetsk confirmed they have quality, tempo and intensity. Let’s be honest here, we needed this victory. Playing good football is nice too, but what mattered the most today was the result. I don’t know how deserved it was, but we’ll take it.”
The midfielder’s remarks reflect the heavy psychological burden hanging over the squad following a sluggish opening period. While the three points lift Inter in the league phase standings, the frank admission highlights lingering structural vulnerabilities that persist despite the clean sheet.
Nicolò Barella Evaluates Red Card Impact and Sluggish Start Against Shakhtar
Addressing the tactical shift required after defender Alessandro Bastoni received two quick yellow cards, Barella detailed how the numerical disadvantage forced a reactive approach on the counter-attack.
Nicolo Barella
player“When your back is against the wall, you’ve got to do something. Being down to 10 is a big disadvantage in modern football, but Shakhtar quite rightly pushed forward trying to win the game, and we were able to make the most of a counter-attack.”
The red card compounded an already passive opening 45 minutes where the hosts struggled for tempo and energy. Barella noted that pre-match tension may have contributed to their lethargic start, conceding that the team’s initial approach remains an unresolved issue requiring urgent correction.