Werder were let down by their play in the final third tonight, but managed a point at the San Siro against the Italian giants.
Inter were in charge at the start of the game and made their advantage count as they scored in the 13′ when Maicon was allowed free access to the 18 and slotted the first goal by Tim Wiese. Werder were so busy trying to set an offside trap on Adriano that Per Mertesacker failed to close down on Maicon, who noticed the lack of attention and smartly netted the home side into the lead.
After the goal, Inter were happy to sit on the lead and Werder slowly took control of the game. But possession led to few chances as Ozil was practically non-existent and Diego’s final ball was abysmal. It wasn’t until the 62′ that things changed when Ozil was freed on the right and placed a perfect cross to Pizarro for the equalizer.
Inter stepped up their game afterward and seemed poised to take the lead back, but superb defensive organization kept the Nerazzurri at bay until Werder could establish more possession. Towards the end, the teams were on equal footing and traded barbs, with Maicon hitting the post and Pizarro missing an empty net in the dying seconds. All in all, Werder can be very happy with the result. They have Tim Wiese to thank for it, as his point blank save on Stankovic in the 27′ allowed them to stay in the game.
Considering the other result in the group was Famagusta’s 3-1 victory over Panathaniakos, Werder should feel a little vindicated by their draw in round 1 against the Cypriot minnows. Now Famagusta sit joint top of the table with Inter on 4 points with Werder in 3rd with 2. Panathaniakos, who are Werder’s third and fourth matchday opponents sit bottom on a goose egg. If Werder can avoid the Greek tragedy that befell them last year against Olympiakos, they look a strong bet to make it to the knock-out round.
