Inter Player Ratings vs Bayer Leverkusen: Toothless Nerazzurri Stunned Late

Bayer Leverkusen knocked Inter down from a 13-game unbeaten streak, netting a last-gasp winner to claim a 1-0 victory at the BayArena. It was Inter’s first defeat in this season’s UEFA Champions League, complicating Simone Inzaghi’s bid to lead the Nerazzurri to automatic knockout qualification.

Inter headed into the game in high spirits after a 3-1 Serie A win against Parma last Friday, seeking a piece of continental history. The reigning Scudetto holders had kept a clean sheet in the opening five league-phase rounds. As a result, they could’ve become the first-ever team in the Champions League to commence a new season with six successive shutouts.

Truth be told, they were only a few minutes away from achieving that feat, only for Nordi Mukiele’s 90th-minute strike to crush the Italians’ dreams. In all fairness, it was nothing less than Leverkusen deserved, considering they had Inter on the ropes all game. For context, Inzaghi’s charges finished the match without a shot on target.

It was one of Inter’s least impressive attacking performances this season. Whether it was a tactical choice or only a bad night, the Nerazzurri were on the back foot for most of the game and eventually paid the ultimate price. Without further ado, let’s look at our Inter ratings.

Inter (3-5-2)

Yann Sommer – 6.5

Mukiele left him no chance from point-blank, yet the Swiss goalkeeper was spotless in all other situations, averting every danger that came his way.

Yann Bisseck – 6

Slotted in for Benjamin Pavard, the 24-year-old German often struggled to cope with Florian Wirtz’s tricky feet but excelled in the aerial duels, proving a decent back-up for the Frenchman.

Stefan de Vrij – 7

Another remarkable performance from the Dutch veteran! He didn’t put his foot wrong tonight but had to helplessly watch Mukiele firing Leverkusen in front.

Alessandro Bastoni – 6.5

While he did his defensive job to a ‘T,’ the Italian star center-back wasn’t as comfortable on the ball as in most Inter matches this season.

Carlos Augusto – 6

While he got the Inter supporters used to scintillating crosses and overlapping runs, he was virtually invisible in attack, focusing more on helping his side under the siege.

Piotr Zielinski – 6

Barring several fancy flicks and show-off moments, the Polish ace struggled to impact the play, being part of the reason why Inter lost the midfield battle to Leverkusen.

Hakan Calhanoglu – 5.5

Unable to get on the ball frequently enough, the Turkish playmaker had a quiet evening by his standards. One of his weakest showings this season!

Davide Frattesi – 6

Despite his tireless runs in the center of the park, the Italy international was ineffective in possession, failing to get Inter’s midfield moving in Nicolo Barella’s absence.

Matteo Darmian – 6

Solid at the back but nowhere to be seen in attack, the experienced wingback fared well against Alex Grimaldo, sacrificing his offensive movements for the greater good.

Marcus Thuram – 5

Often left on an island, the Frenchman endured a frustrating night. He never had a clear sight of goal, while the lack of support in the final third led to numerous chip turnovers.

Mehdi Taremi – 4

The Iranian’s rough patch at Inter continued with another disheartening performance.

Substitutes

Federico Dimarco – 6

Kristjan Asllani – 5.5

Nicolo Barella – 6