Inter slipped to their second consecutive Champions League defeat with their 1-0 home defeat to Liverpool on Tuesday night, and now Cristian Chivu’s side are aiming for results against Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund if they are to qualify straight for the knockout stages.
Inter failed in the final minutes for the second consecutive Champions League match. They had was beaten 2-1 by Atletico Madrid thanks to a José Maria Gimenez winner in the 93rd minute in November, then lost 1-0 on Dominik Szoboszlai’s penalty in the 88th minute against Liverpool Tuesday.
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Liverpool’s defeat was not without controversy, as the majority of experts, papers And players admitting that the penalty given to Alessandro Bastoni for pulling Florian Wirtz’s shirt was mild.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool FC scores his team’s first goal during the MD6 match of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league stage between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Where Inter stand in Champions League race after controversial Liverpool penalty
As things stand, Inter sit fifth in the Champions League table with 12 points from six matches. Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and Newcastle United could overtake them if they win their matches on Wednesday night.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Nicolo’ Barella of FC Internazionale argues with Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool FC during the MD6 match of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league stage between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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The Nerazzurri are still able to secure at least a place in the Champions League play-offs. Last season, 11 points in the league phase were enough for a place in the play-offs, and Inter have already exceeded this total (12).
However, finishing in the top eight and securing an automatic place in the round of 16 now looks difficult.
Last season, 16 points was the ultimate threshold for a top eight place, and if the same is true in 2025-26, Inter still need four more points in their final league matches against Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund in January.
