Mourinho’s tactical prowess proved too smart for Louis van Gaal’s Bayern Munich, who were found wanting in defence for both of Milito’s strikes.
Curiously, van Gaal was the man who allowed Brazilian centre-half Lucio to leave Munich for Inter. The Brazilian was assured in defence for Inter, while Bayern’s back pairing, Thomas Demichelis and Daniel Van Buyten, were exposed.
Van Gaal’s other infamous close-season business, acquiring Arjen Robben from Real Madrid, took much of the limelight coming into the game, and while the Dutchman caused Christian Chivu plenty of problems, he ultimately couldn’t find a way through.
Inter’s constantly changing 4-1-2-3 to 4-1-4-1 formation restricted the Germans in attack with Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Zanetti the lynchpins in Inter’s defensive midfield structure.
Interestingly, Inter’s goals came via route one football with Milito’s 34th minute opener coming from keeper Julio Cesar’s clearance, while his second was on the break before some individual brilliance wrongfooted Van Buyten.
A point worth pondering is Milito’s quality with both finishes calmly and coolly taken. Compare that to Thomas Mueller’s effort straight after the break which was straight at Julio Cesar. Milito made a big difference.
Had Mueller converted his one-on-one opportunity after Hamit Altintop set him up, the game might have taken on a different complexion.
Mueller failed there, while Robben had a 55th minute curling effort well saved by Julio Cesar. That was all Bayern could really muster.
They threw on Miroslav Klose and showed intent late but Milito’s 70th minute goal sealed the result.
After 45 years of waiting, Inter celebrated being crowned European champions again. The party went on long into the night, but as the dust settled it seems Mourinho’s (in his own words) work in done.
It seems the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ could be on his way out at Inter, but for now, they’ll celebrate becoming the first Italian club to ever win the treble.