MKHITARYAN: ‘LUKAKU FUNDAMENTAL FOR INTER’

Henrikh Mkhitaryan confirms Inter raise their game for the Champions League and is glad to see Romelu Lukaku prove decisive against FC Porto, but warns it is not over yet.

The Nerazzurri were frustrated by FC Porto at San Siro, with both goalkeepers making great saves, but after Otavio saw red for a second bookable offence, there was finally a breakthrough.

Lukaku’s header on the Nicolò Barella cross came off the far post and the Belgian reacted quickly to bundle the rebound over the line from six yards.

“It is a very important result, because beating a side like Porto is not easy. It wasn’t a pretty game, we know it’s not over and we will do everything we can to win there too,” Mkhitaryan told Sky Sport Italia.

They take a 1-0 result to the Estadio Do Dragao for the second leg on March 14 and Otavio will be suspended for Porto too.

After eliminating Barcelona in the group stage, why do Inter raise their game for this competition?

“We know that you don’t play the Champions League every day and we are ready to step up when it is tough. We fought hard and were repaid for our efforts.”

Lukaku came off the bench to seal the victory, replacing Edin Dzeko, after a very tough campaign dealing with repeated muscular problems.

“It was not an easy time for him, as he returned from an injury and then got hurt again. He is proving now that he is capable of miracles. We hope he can stay fit, because he is a fundamental player for us, whether he starts or comes off the bench.”

After Lukaku’s row with Barella, today there was another ugly shouting match on the field between teammates Andre Onana and Dzeko.

“It happens, I think at the end of the day what counts is the result. Now the most important thing is to be ready for the second leg and hope to win there too,” concluded Mkhitaryan.