Inter Milan cannot afford mistakes in tonight’s high-stakes UEFA Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund.
According to Tuttosport via FCInterNews, there’s more at stake than just bragging rights.
Cristian Chivu had thought that four straight wins at the beginning of the league phase would be enough to secure a top-eight finish.
However, three defeats on the bounce have derailed Inter’s hopes of avoiding the knockout playoffs, placing them a point adrift of eighth-placed Chelsea.
Therefore, the Nerazzurri must defy their ‘big game’ issues at Signal Iduna Park if they’re to enter the Round of 16 directly.
Inter Milan Face ‘Must Win’ Clash vs Borussia Dortmund
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Cristian Chivu, head coach of Inter (left), celebrates with Nicolò Barella of Inter after the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Avoiding the playoff round would alleviate the pressure on Inter’s brutal schedule in the coming weeks.
Indeed, Chivu’s team will have two play two additional matches in February if they fail to secure automatic qualification for the Round of 16.
Worryingly for the San Siro faithful, Inter lost their last meeting with Dortmund in 2019 despite leading 2-0 at halftime.
Furthermore, the Nerazzurri are still waiting for their first ‘big game’ triumph under Chivu.
Nonetheless, a knockout berth is already in the bag, which will pour around €11 million into the club’s coffers.
