Champions League: Inter left stranded after another European shipwreck

13.10.26 FT Champions League

Inter

3

:

Club Brugge

4

Beaten by Real Madrid on the opening matchday, Inter Milan suffered a second consecutive defeat in the Champions League on Tuesday, this time against Club Brugge (3-4). A missed European start for the reigning Italian champions, who nevertheless sit top of Serie A, while several major European clubs have already begun their continental campaigns.

Inter Milan are struggling in Europe. After their defeat to Real Madrid (1-2), the Lombardy club suffered another setback on the continental stage, this time at home against Club Brugge (3-4). Despite a brace from Lautaro Martinez, the Nerazzurri were punished by a Belgian side led by Nicolo Tresoldi, who scored a hat-trick.

This latest defeat leaves Inter in an uncomfortable position after two matchdays of the league phase. With zero points on the board, the Italian club are among the teams still searching for their first points in the competition. The contrast is striking for a side that sit top of the Italian league.

Two defeats that weaken Inter’s European ambitions

At the Santiago Bernabéu on September 8, Inter were beaten by Real Madrid (1-2) despite a closely contested match. A month later, the Italians once again paid for their defensive errors against Club Brugge.

On Tuesday, Lautaro Martinez scored twice, but his goals were not enough to prevent defeat. Nicolo Tresoldi scored three times for the visitors, while Romeo Vermant added the fourth Belgian goal. Ange-Yoan Bonny’s stoppage-time consolation did not change the outcome of the match.

Inter will have to quickly address their shortcomings to avoid further compromising their European campaign. The league phase still has several matchdays to come, but two defeats at the outset leave them with little room for manoeuvre.

The contrast with the Italian league

Inter’s European situation contrasts with their results in Serie A. The Milan club remain top of the league and notably beat Parma (3-0) on October 10, just days before their defeat to Brugge.

This contrast raises questions about the Nerazzurri’s ability to replicate their domestic control on the biggest European nights. The defensive problems observed against Real Madrid and Club Brugge proved costly for a team that aspire to return to the continental summit.

Being Italian champions does not shield Inter from the demands of the Champions League. To revive their campaign, Simone Inzaghi’s men will have to turn their next European outings into tangible results.

Other European heavyweights have made better starts

While Inter continue to sink, several contenders have already found their feet. Barcelona secured a second victory by beating Galatasaray (4-1), after coming from behind. Arsenal also won their second match, defeating Lille (3-0).

Bayern Munich, meanwhile, were held to a draw by Viking Stavanger (3-3), while Atlético de Madrid beat Manchester United (2-0). These results highlight the contrasting fortunes of the major European teams at the start of the competition.

Two matches, two defeats and no points. The Milan club still have the opportunity to turn things around, but they can no longer afford to let their next chances slip away. On October 21, they will host Shakhtar Donetsk with the aim of securing their first points and ending this poor European run.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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