Álvarez delights in Inter success story
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Article summary
Ricardo Álvarez was aglow after his first FC Internazionale Milano goal earned them a round of 16 place but while Trabzonspor AŞ worked hard for a 1-1 draw, they have a bigger trial ahead.
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A Halil Altıntop strike pegged FC Internazionale Milano back to a 1-1 draw at Trabzonspor AŞ, but 23-year-old Ricardo Álvarez was delighted that his first goal for the visitors proved the one that sent them through to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 from Group B. Trabzonspor must win at LOSC Lille Metropole on matchday six to join them.
Ricardo Álvarez, Inter midfielder
This was a night to remember – scoring my very first goal for Inter. To do that at UEFA Champions League level makes it even more special, and knowing that it secured my team qualification for the next round is something I will never forget. After I scored, I ran towards the camera to dedicate my goal to my relatives in Argentina. I left my home country to try my luck at Inter this summer, and for a young player like me that is quite a big step. Without my family's support I would never have had the courage to do so.
Dejan Stanković, Inter midfielder
We are having difficulties creating chances and scoring, but I have to give credit to Trabzonspor who showed a lot of determination to get the win. We had a near miss tonight, especially as they had a header against the post with ten minutes to go.
Yuto Nagamoto, Inter defender
Everybody at Inter is very pleased to qualify for the next stage, and I am especially pleased because I felt no pain after coming back from injury. I only resumed training with the team two days before this game. I have to thank my coach for believing in me. The real fight in the UEFA Champions League starts now.
Gustavo Colman, Trabzonspor midfielder
I'm happy with the man of the match award, but at the same time I'm upset. We did all we could to take the three points, but it wasn't meant to be. We managed to push Inter back, especially in the second half, but unfortunately the second goal did not come. I think we played even better than in the first game at San Siro, where we did manage to win. The Lille match will be the decisive one for us.
Tolga Zengin, Trabzonspor goalkeeper
CSKA losing against Lille has made the situation in Group B really interesting. Looking forward to our game in Lille, I hope one point will be enough for us to get through to the next phase of the UEFA Champions League. A win would obviously remove all doubts. We worked really hard as a team to get this far, I hope we can finish on a high note. We will not bank on Inter winning against CSKA, that much is certain.
