Cristian Chivu believes Inter Milan have shown a quality they lacked in recent Champions League matches. The Nerazzurri beat Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 at the San Siro on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Carlos Augusto scored the winning goal after receiving a pass from Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Inter then faced a major test when Alessandro Bastoni received two yellow cards in quick succession. His dismissal left the home side with 10 players.
Despite the setback, Inter held on to their lead until the final whistle. Their performance showed greater fight and focus under pressure.
For Chivu, this result means more than three points. It gives his players a chance to rebuild their confidence in Europe. It also shows how much mental strength matters in the Champions League.
Cristian Chivu Praises Inter Milan’s Fighting Spirit
Chivu was pleased with how his players handled a difficult match. Inter did not control the game for long periods. They also struggled to create clear chances against Shakhtar Donetsk.
However, the players showed a different attitude when the pressure increased. They worked together to protect their lead and keep their defensive shape.
The challenge grew harder after Bastoni received his second yellow card. Inter had to adjust their tactics and defend with one fewer player.
Chivu believes this response marks an important step forward. Inter have struggled in the Champions League over the past 18 months. Those results have affected the team’s confidence.
The win against Shakhtar offered a chance to change that trend. Inter showed they could stay focused even when the game did not go their way.
For a club with strong European ambitions, this attitude is vital. Good technique alone cannot guarantee success. Players also need courage, discipline, and belief.
Inter Milan Felt the Pressure in the First Half
Inter did not enjoy a comfortable start to the match. Chivu admitted that previous results in Europe had affected his players.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, he explained how those experiences shaped the team’s performance.
“I think our results in the Champions League over the last year and a half have left their mark, and that was evident in the first half,” Chivu said.
Inter started reasonably well but became more cautious as the match went on. Shakhtar moved the ball well and forced the home side to work hard.
As a result, Inter focused more on keeping their shape than creating attacks. The team appeared worried about making mistakes.
Chivu also admitted that Inter had become too defensive at times. This approach limited their movement and made it harder to build attacks.
The first half showed that Inter still have work to do. They must learn to stay calm when opponents control possession.
Confidence will also play a key role in future matches. Inter need to trust their style of play, even when the pressure rises.
Three Substitutions Helped Inter Find Their Rhythm
Chivu made three substitutions to bring fresh energy into the team. The changes helped Inter improve their movement and regain some control.
Fresh legs can make a big difference in a close match. They can also help a team find space and move the ball with greater speed.
Chivu highlighted the impact of these changes after the game. He explained that the substitutes helped Inter recover their energy and improve their movement.
The decision also showed Chivu’s willingness to adapt. A coach must react when a game takes an unexpected turn.
In this match, the changes helped Inter before Bastoni’s dismissal made the contest even harder.
Inter will need the same flexibility in future Champions League games. Strong decisions from the bench can help a team deal with pressure and protect important results.
Carlos Augusto Scores the Winning Goal
Carlos Augusto delivered the key moment of the match. The Brazilian defender found the net after a pass from Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
His goal gave Inter a 1-0 lead. It also proved decisive in a match where clear chances were hard to find.
Inter could not dominate Shakhtar throughout the game. That made every attacking opportunity more important.
Carlos Augusto took his chance and gave his team something to defend. After Bastoni’s red card, Inter focused on keeping their narrow advantage.
The players had to work harder to cover spaces and stop Shakhtar from finding an equaliser. Their defensive effort helped secure the result.
The match showed how one goal can decide a tight European contest. A team must take its chances and defend well to win these games.
What This Victory Means for Inter Milan
The win gives Inter a valuable boost in the 2026/2027 Champions League campaign. It also offers Chivu a chance to build a stronger team mentality.
His comments suggest that confidence remains a key issue. Inter have the quality to compete, but past results have made some players cautious.
The victory against Shakhtar offers several important lessons:
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Mental strength matters. Players must stay calm when opponents apply pressure.
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Defensive teamwork is vital. Inter kept their lead despite playing with 10 men.
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Substitutions can change games. Fresh players helped improve the team’s energy and movement.
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Finishing makes a difference. Carlos Augusto scored the goal that decided the match.
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Confidence takes time to rebuild. Inter must maintain this attitude in their next European fixtures.
Still, one win will not solve every problem. Inter must show the same discipline in future matches.
They also need to improve their attacking play. Better movement and greater confidence could help them create more chances.
Chivu Wants Inter to Build on This Result
Cristian Chivu has reasons to feel encouraged after the win over Shakhtar Donetsk. His team faced pressure, lost a player, and still found a way to secure all three points.
Carlos Augusto provided the winning goal, while Mkhitaryan supplied the assist. The rest of the team then worked hard to protect the lead.
Inter did not play a perfect match. Their cautious approach in the first half remains an area for improvement.
However, their response under pressure was a positive sign. The players showed greater determination when the situation became difficult.
Now, Chivu must help the team turn this result into a regular habit. Inter need to combine confidence with tactical discipline throughout the Champions League campaign.
The 1-0 win provides a strong starting point. Their next challenge is to prove that this fighting spirit can last.
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