Inter Milan & Italy Star Defender Offers His Assessment Of Bayer Leverkusen Loss: “A Game Of Sacrifice” | OneFootball

Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni praised the team’s collective showing in last night’s UEFA Champions League heartache at Bayer Leverkusen.

During his post-match talk with Sky Sport via FCinterNews, the Italian center-back offered his verdict on the club’s first loss in Europe this season.

Bastoni was outstanding at the BayArena, forging a rock-solid defensive partnership with Stefan de Vrij and Yann Bisseck.

However, they only switch off for a split second, allowing Nordi Mukiele to fire home a 90th-minute winner for Leverkusen.

As a result, Xabi Alonso’s side leapfrogged Inter into second.

All the hard work went in vain, condemning the Nerazzurri to their first Champions League defeat in 2024/25.

Yet, Bastoni insists the game could’ve gone either way, even though the Italians failed to produce a shot on target.

Alessandro Bastoni Delivers Verdict on Inter Milan Performance vs Bayer Leverkusen

“I think it was a balanced game, also because they have a great defensive phase,” he said.

“And when they lose the ball, they drop very deep under the line of the ball.

“We resemble each other a lot in terms of philosophy. I repeat, it was a game of sacrifice.”

Mukiele’s strike was hard to digest, especially given Inter’s remarkable defensive performance until that moment.

“I don’t even know how to comment,” Bastoni continued. “I’m just disappointed by the goal conceded at the end of the match.”

Leverkusen’s strike, although morale-wracking, was well-deserved.

Indeed, it was an unorthodox approach from head coach Simone Inzaghi.

For the first time this season, Inter failed to attempt a shot on target, highlighting the team’s sub-par attacking showing.

Despite struggling in the opposition’s half, the Nerazzurri excelled in defense.

Bastoni and his teammates kept Xabi Alonso’s heavy hitters, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, quiet.

However, Mukiele’s goal moments before the final whistle undid all good work.