Inter Milan's recent 2-0 victory over Ajax in the Champions League highlighted their growth, according to Cristian Chivu. The team, last year's finalists, began their campaign with a decisive win against the Dutch club. Marcus Thuram was instrumental, scoring two headers from Hakan Calhanoglu's corners, one in each half. This performance marked Inter's first opening win in the Champions League since the 2018-19 season.
Thuram has now netted five goals in his last eight Champions League appearances, achieving his second brace in the competition. Inter have excelled at scoring from corners, leading all teams with six goals since last season. Chivu praised his team's maturity and execution in neutralising Ajax's strengths, particularly their passing
game in the final third. "We tried to stay in their half," Chivu told Sky Sports Italia.
Inter focused on recovering possession quickly and launching vertical passes to disrupt Ajax's play. Their strategy paid off as they limited Ajax's effective ball movement to areas where Inter felt comfortable defending. This tactical approach allowed them to maintain control throughout the match.
Marcus Thuram became only the second Inter player to score two headers in a single Champions League match, following Hernan Crespo's feat against Ajax in November 2002. Reflecting on his performance, Thuram expressed gratitude for Calhanoglu's precise corner deliveries. "Thanks to two very well-taken corners by Calhanoglu!" he said to Prime.
2 - Marcus #Thuram is only the 2nd #Inter player to score a brace by header in a #ChampionsLeague match, after Hernn Crespo on 12/11/2002 - both against #Ajax in an away match. Flight.#AjaxInter #UCL pic.twitter.com/i5bxUKVxtx
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) September 17, 2025
The team was pleased with their defensive performance as they kept a clean sheet against Ajax. Thuram noted that responding positively after their previous result against Juventus was crucial for them.
Chivu acknowledged the importance of this victory for his players' efforts and development. He emphasised that they were close before and that this win demonstrated their progress and maturity on the European stage.
