Inter Milan were expected to cruise in their UEFA Champions League opener on Wednesday, but nothing was easy for them in Champions League play last year and it doesn't look like things will be easy for them this year. Trabzonspor walked into the San Siro and came away 1-0 winners, stunning the 2009 champions and casting doubt on the quality of Gian Piero Gasperini's side.
Trabzonspor Vs. Inter Milan, 2011 UEFA Champions League: Internazionale Stunned At Home
The first great chance of the match came in the 32nd minute when Mauro Zarate got in close for a shot, but Tolga Zengin was there to make the save. A minute later Zengin was able to make another good save on Zarate and Esteban Cambiasso had a chance of his own in the first half, but that's all the home side could muster.
Zarate was back in the middle of the action after the break, getting a clear chance at goal, only to hit it right at Zengin. Diego Milito came off of the bench to try and help Inter get a goal, but he wasted a couple chances and couldn't get the Italians on the board.
With Inter wasting opportunities, Trabzonspor pounced. Halil Altintop just missed from 12 yards, hitting his shot off of the crossbar. Julio Cesar gave chase to the rebound off of the bar, but Ondrej Celustka beat him to it. He got to the ball and knocked it home, stunning the San Siro crowd and propelling the Turkish side to victory.
It was a shock result for Tranzonspor, who weren’t even supposed to be in the competition. Fenerbahce were supposed to be in the Champions League, but match fixing allegations saw them get the boot and Tranzonspor took their place. Now they’ve defeated the 2009 champions. Not bad for a stand-in.
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