If you say that you predicted a crazy goal-fest between Inter Milan and Schalke, you’re a liar. Sure, both teams have depleted defenses, but teams don’t usually throw caution to the wind and attack like mad men in these situations. Usually, in a knockout tournament when a team’s defense is depleted, that team will play a deep midfield and rigid tactics in order to protect the back line and prevent goals. Conventional wisdom says that’s the best course of action. Tonight, in this Champions League fixture, Schalke and Inter threw conventional wisdom out the window.
Inter Milan Vs. Schalke, 2011 UEFA Champions League: 2-2 Halftime In A Crazy Match
Honestly, it’s possible that both teams could have shown up to defend, but 20 seconds into the game Dejan Stankovic turned the game on its head and forced everyone’s hand with a trump card, in the form of a 40 yard bomb. His brilliant volley forced Schalke to attack, and they did just that. The game then went back and forth for the rest of the half, with Joel Matip equalizing on a corner kick in the 17th minute, Diego Milito giving his team the lead again after 33 minutes, and Edu equalizing again on the 40th minute.
My money’s on more goals in the second half. Inter have every incentive to push forward, and if they take a lead, Schalke have every incentive to push back.
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