On April 16, at the legendary San Siro, Inter Milan played one of the most intense matches of the season, drawing 2–2 with Bayern Munich and securing a place in the Champions League semi-finals. With a 4–3 aggregate victory, Simone Inzaghi's team advanced to the next stage of the tournament, where they will face Barcelona.
One of the understated but key heroes of the match was Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Playing the full 90 minutes, he controlled the midfield and often covered defensively for his teammates.
Here’s how the Italian press rated his performance:
Italian Media Ratings and Comments on Henrikh Mkhitaryan's Performance
Tuttomercatoweb – 7.5
One of the most vivid remarks: “He’s playing chess while others are stuck playing checkers. His age may be a topic of conversation, but he compensates with football intelligence. He takes control of the midfield.” According to the outlet, this was a masterclass, where Mkhitaryan proved to be a true leader.
fcinter1908 – 7.0
Here, the Armenian was dubbed "the professor": “The second half was a special chapter in his performance. Always composed, never loses his cool, and actively contributes to the attack. Along with the other midfielders — a key to success.”
Calciomercato – 7.0
The publication praised his maturity and experience: “The clearest mind in midfield. Always in the thick of the action, cleaning up and distributing balls. Retirement at the end of the season? Don’t make us laugh.”
Passioneinter – 6.5
They acknowledged some mistakes in the first half but highlighted his impact when it mattered: “After the 1–0, he came alive, brought freshness to Inter’s game, and helped the team cope with the pressure.”
Sportmediaset – 6.5
Referring to his own words about “the most exhausting season,” they emphasized how lively he looked: “If this is a tired Mkhitaryan, then we don’t know what tired means. He runs, attacks, defends, links up with Barella — doesn’t look like a veteran on his last legs.”
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: “This could be my last season”
Sport.virgilio – 6.0
A restrained but respectful rating: “The Armenian’s contribution remains significant. His experience is especially valuable in the most delicate moments of the match.”
90min.com – 6.0
A slightly poetic take: “A Benjamin Button-style performance — the further it goes, the younger he looks. With every minute, he seems to gain energy and revive Inter’s midfield.”
Mkhitaryan’s Match Stats:
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Minutes played: 90+
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Shots: 1
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Key passes: 1
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Accurate passes: 25 (71%)
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Successful dribbles: 1 out of 1
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Duels won: 6 out of 11
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Aerial duels won: 2 out of 4
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Ball losses: 13
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Fouls committed: 1
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Fouls suffered: 3
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Clearances: 4
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Shots blocked: 1
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Tackles: 2
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SofaScore rating: 6.9