Cristian Chivu believes Inter’s 2-0 win in opposition to Ajax within the Champions League was a “present of maturity” from his facet.
Final 12 months’s finalists kicked off their marketing campaign with a snug win in opposition to the Dutch facet, with Marcus Thuram scoring two headers from Hakan Calhanoglu corners on both facet of half-time.
Thuram has now scored 5 objectives in his final eight Champions League video games, recording his second brace within the competitors, whereas Inter have scored extra objectives from corners for the reason that begin of final season than every other crew (six).
It was additionally the primary time that Inter have began their Champions League marketing campaign with a win for the reason that 2018-19 season, and Chivu was impressed with how his facet carried out within the Netherlands.
“It is crucial for the work that the lads are doing, they have been shut earlier than, and tonight was a present of maturity,” Chivu advised Sky Sports activities Italia.
“We tried to neutralise Ajax’s strengths, which included their passing within the closing third, and solely allowed them to go the ball in areas we have been snug.
“We tried to remain of their half, get better the ball as rapidly as doable, and instantly go together with vertical passes. It went nicely.”
2 – Marcus #Thuram is just the 2nd #Inter participant to attain a brace by header in a #ChampionsLeague match, after Hernán Crespo on 12/11/2002 – each in opposition to #Ajax in an away match. Flight.#AjaxInter #UCL pic.twitter.com/i5bxUKVxtx
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) September 17, 2025
Thuram additionally turned simply the second Inter participant to attain two headers in a Champions League match after Hernan Crespo did so in November 2002, additionally in an away sport in opposition to Ajax.
Talking about his objectives to Prime, Thuram mentioned: “Thanks to 2 very well-taken corners by Calhanoglu!
“We performed a terrific match with out conceding, which was our goal. We’re comfortable. We knew we needed to reply after the Juventus outcome, and we did.”
