Champions League finalists Inter go through to the knockout stages but struggle against a well-organised Real Sociedad.
On a chilly night at the iconic San Siro the Italian league leaders found it hard to overcome the confident Basque visitors.
It was a match where the away team dominated possession and there were few chances created for the large, noisy, crowd to enjoy.
Simone Inzaghi’s side needed to win this final match to top Group D and hence gain a more favourable Round of 16 matchup.
But, right from the start, the Basques dominated possession and often threatened through their tricky wide man, Take Kubo.
The Japanese often tested the left side of the home defence with his left foot skills and was often marked by a couple of Inter players.
While at the other end of the pitch Inter relied on the Marcus Thuram + Alexis Sanchez combination with the tall Frenchman getting more action, although neither had much to work on.
Surprisingly the well-supported visitors ended up with over 70% of the ball in the first half although neither team got too close to troubling the respective goalkeepers.
This pattern continued into the second period despite various changes to the personnel, including the appearance of Lautaro, Barrella, and Arnautovic.
Perhaps the fact that they had already qualified and with Serie A a massive focus as well, meant they never looked totally committed.
Plus Inzaghi’s plan to adopt a ‘semi-press’ gave Sociedad plenty of scope to control possession.
Often highlighted by goalie Remiro’s unbounded confidence in passing the ball around his defenders.
So, for most of another vast crowd, it was somewhat of an anticlimax.
For sure, the 2023 UCL finalists will need to step up if they expect to make it to another final at Wembley in June.
As for Imanol Alguacil's group winners, who featured Malian Hamari Traore and Nigerian Umar Sadiq, they might prove tricky (but limited) opponents for some.
Analysis - John Bethell, from Milan.
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