At 4:00 a.m. Beijing time on February 17, the 2021-22 Champions League quarterfinals will usher in a focus battle: Inter Milan home to Liverpool.
The Champions League, for Inter Milan, is a long time away, after all, 12 years have passed since Mourinho led the team to achieve the "Treble" in 2010, and after Mourinho left, not only did he soon lose his competitiveness in the Champions League, but it was even difficult to qualify for the Champions League. With Conte in office, Inter quickly revived, but none of the Champions League teams qualified last season. This season, Inzaghi Jr. led the team to meet real Madrid, the bitter host in last season's Champions League, but finally qualified second in the group. If you win the quarter-finals with Liverpool, it is quite difficult to go further.
The Competition in the Premier League is too fierce, and it is difficult for Liverpool, with a thin squad, to win manchester City, and it is not easy to retain the Champions League qualification. Compared to Inter, Liverpool are more competitive and experienced in the Champions League. After Liverpool won the Champions League in 2019, they were played by Atletico in the Champions League in the 2019-20 season, eliminated Leipzig in the 1/8 final of the 2020-21 season, and eliminated real Madrid in the quarter-finals. This season, Liverpool in the group stage of the Champions League has gained momentum, winning all 6 games and killing Atletico madrid for revenge.
The two are currently in a different situation in the league.
As the defending champions, Inter drew 1:1 with Napoli in this round of Serie A, and the lead gradually shrank, but still grasped the initiative to compete for the championship, and continued to lead with a one-point advantage in the first round of the less round.
Liverpool's recent record is outstanding, after beating Burnley 1-0 in the Premier League, they have won 6 consecutive wins in all competitions, including 4 consecutive wins in the Premier League, but the helpless leader Manchester City's record is stronger and more stable. Liverpool are still nine points behind Manchester City in the first round of the minor round, and it is too difficult to catch up.
In the winter transfer window, Liverpool's harvest is not small. The introduction of Colombian striker Luis Díaz from Porto effectively strengthened the depth of the bench on the front line. Inter introduced German "knife guard" Gossens from Atlanta, and the role was not obvious.
Inter have won 5, drawn 4 and lost 1 of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions with 7 wins and 3 draws.
The last time the two sides met in the Champions League was in 2008, when Inter were killed by Liverpool 0-2 away and 0-1 at home.
Judging from the overall strength and recent state, Liverpool are stronger and this game is expected to remain unbeaten. But Klopp's side has a poor away record in the Champions League, and before the group stage this season, whether it is Roma in the knockout stage or Napoli in the group stage, the Apennines are all returning home, and Inter, who have home advantages, are not indispensable.