Inter stronghold: only 16 minutes behind and a final secured

There's one statistic that tells us everything. A number with as much value as a trophy, which confirms solidity, determination and character: 16 minutes. During Inter's European campaign, in 14 Champions League matches, 1260 minutes of play, Simone Inzaghi's side have been behind for just 16 minutes. It's a record that doesn't scream, but imposes respect. Because, there is an idea behind it. In front, a wall. In the middle, an identity. This is an Inter team that knows how to suffer without worrying, that knows how to wait without retreating, that knows how to strike with the cold-bloodedness of a side that has nothing to prove, but wants everything. The Nerazzurri defence is holding this delicate balance together, it's capable of shutting down every attack, extinguishing the spark of the opponent's enthusiasm, nullifying every hope of the opposition. The backline is built on certainties, shaped over time, forged in the fire of some great European nights.

Between each pillar stands Alessandro Bastoni, a defender with the spirit and heart of a true leader. His assist against Sparta Praha, a perfectly crafted ball for Lautaro's run and finish, was much more than a pass. It was a play that decided the match and put a true mark on another unforgettable night. It all started with him, from his wand of a left foot, just like that of the greats.

And then there was Rotterdam. Round of 16. Against Feyernoord, Bastoni took on the role of a winger. Almost single-handedly, he created the goal to make it 2-0, a coast-to-coast move of power and clarity. A runner's stride with a forward's instinct, a powerful blow on an evening in which Inter knew how to strike with power and precision. Bastoni also lit up the quarter final first-leg away to Bayern München, a match in which he was named MVP: he sparked the move on the left flank with Carlos Augusto to make it 1-0, a brilliant move capped off by Thuram's back heel for Lautaro. In the 81st minute, with the area full of danger and the ball falling to Muller, Bastoni denied a certain goal, a challenge which was worth as much as a goal. He did exactly the same to Olise in the second-leg with a brilliant challenge.

No stronghold is complete without an intelligent goalkeeper. Yann Sommer, with the demeanour of a calm man, has turned Inter's goal into a no-go zone. Always in position and never out of place, the Swiss goalkeeper has made saves that altered the course of fate. The perfect matches were against Barcelona. In the first-leg he denied Lamine Yamal from distance with incredible reflexes. He denied Dani Olmo and Eric Garcia from scoring certain goals in the second-leg as well. It was nothing short of legendary. And then, in the dying stages, Sommer pulled off a miraculous save: a precise save to deny a strike, to keep the dream alive.

Against Bayern, Sommer was pivotal again: punctual and decisive. His saves denied the Bavarian onslaught. His saves from Guerreiro in the first-leg and then Olise in the second-leg proved pivotal. He also proved fundamental in the previous months, in the matches against Manchester City, RB Leipzig and Sparta Praha. Sommer didn't shout, didn't celebrate, didn't demand. But he was there. Always. A silent certainty behind the final line. And when others lose their breath, he holds his. With steady hands, a warm heart, and a clear head.

The statistic of just 16 minutes trailing tells the story of rare mental consistency, superior physical resilience, and the solidity of a true European giant. Only three brief moments of darkness, swiftly erased: in Leverkusen during the final minutes of a game already decided; at San Siro, a six-minute gap between Kane’s goal and Lautaro’s prompt reply; and again against Barcelona, another six-minute lapse before Acerbi’s equaliser. Three flashes from the enemy, quashed by Inter's resolve. In the final, there will be a team that doesn't waver, doesn't give in and never stops believing. This Inter side has done it without noise and with a defence that speaks the language of solidity and substance.