Trabzonspor qualified for the UEFA Champions League last minute, coming in for disqualified side Fenerbahche the day before the draw. Drawn with Inter, CSKA Moscow and Lille, they were predicted to finish bottom in the group. However, on the back of a strong defence, Trabzonspor are on the verge of qualifying for the knockout round after drawing with Inter Milan at the Huseyin Avni Aker. Despite the draw, Inter are through as group-winners, something that will brighten up an alarmingly poor season.
Trabzonspor Vs. Inter Milan, 2011 UEFA Champions League: Altintop Goal Gives Trabzonspor Chance
Inter took the lead after 18 minutes, with Ricardo Alvarez passing the ball into the goal after a brilliant one two with Diego Milito. 5 minutes later, however, Trabzonspor were level. The goal was perhaps fortunate, with Halil Altintop's shot taking a deflection, but Trabzonspor deserved a draw at the very least, and perhaps a win, in a match that saw them outshoot Inter Milan 22-9, and had a slight edge in possession. Obviously, Inter Milan are not the force that they once were, and have performed badly in Serie A this season, but this is Trabzonspor; they could've been eliminated in the qualifying round of the Europa League, and now they hold qualification for the knockout stage of the Champions League in their own hands.
Win at Lille, and Trabzsonspor are through. If they draw, things become more complicated, with Trabzonspor needing Inter to then beat or draw with CSKA Moscow at the San Siro. Whatever happens though, Trabzonspor have made this group more exciting than many expected after the group was drawn.
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