Atletico Madrid Vs Inter Milan – Nerazzurri Captain Hits Back At His Critics & Praises Upcoming Rivals: “Now They Say The Opposite” & “Atletico Are A High Quality Opposition” | OneFootball

Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez hit back at his critics ahead of Wednesday night’s clash against Atletico Madrid.

During the pre-match conference via FCInterNews, El Toro also hailed Inter’s upcoming Champions League rivals.

Lautaro Martinez failed to score in yet another high-stakes Serie A fixture as AC Milan beat Inter 1-0 on Sunday evening.

Indeed, the 28-year-old has now drawn a blank in all four league matches against Inter’s direct title rivals.

Despite his underwhelming domestic form, the Argentine superstar has been nothing short of formidable in the Champions League.

For perspective, he has bagged four goals in just three league-phase outings this season.

That’s as many goals as he has scored in 12 Serie A appearances under Cristian Chivu.

Therefore, the Nerazzurri captain has recently come under scrutiny for his inability to make a difference when it matters most.

However, the former Racing Club center-forward is reluctant to succumb to pressure.

Lautaro Martinez Responds to Critics Ahead of Atletico Madrid vs Inter Milan Clash

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 30: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between FC Internazionale Milano and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio San Siro on September 30, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

After being accused of faltering in the Champions League, El Toro has turned his fortunes around.

Indeed, he has become the club’s best-ever goalscorer in Europe’s most prestigious competition.

Asked what has changed, Lautaro replied: “Nothing, it’s what people say.

“Before, they said I didn’t score in the Champions League; now it’s the opposite.

“I always give my best to make the fans happy, and I’m fine with that.

“I’m convinced that this team is in good shape, has a lot of strength.

“Tomorrow, we face a very important game after Sunday.

“However, we are ready and will try to bring the points to Italy because it’s very important for us.”

Meanwhile, Lautaro will face several international teammates on Wednesday, including Julian Alvarez.

“That match is in the past. My relationship with him is very good; we’re friends.

“I’m happy for him for how he helps his club and the national team.

“We’ve talked a lot among ourselves because there are always many Atlético players in Argentina.

“When we see each other, we always talk a lot. But tomorrow everyone will defend their shirt.

“At the end of the match, we’ll definitely see each other and talk, but for the ninety minutes, we are rivals.”

Inter Milan Star Lautaro Martinez Praises Atletico Madrid

MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 17: Diego Simeone, Head Coach of Atletico Madrid, looks on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico Madrid and UD Las Palmas at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on February 17, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“Certainly, Atlético is a very strong opponent in a heated stadium,” Lautaro admitted. “It will be a great match.

“We know what to expect, we played them two years ago.

“For us, it’s an important game after Sunday, where we deserved something more, but we move forward.

“We have studied them a lot. But we’ll see on the pitch what we have to do, and we hope to execute well what we have prepared.

“It will be important; for forwards, these are special matches.

“But as I always say, I always try to give my best for my teammates and the team.

“Certainly, Atlético is a very important team.

“Tomorrow, they’ll have their people behind them, and we will face a very strong opponent.”

Inter Captain Lautaro Martinez Reflects on Milan Derby

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Lautaro Martinez #10 of FC Internazionale Milano reacts during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Speaking to Sky Sport via FCInterNews, Lautaro revealed his feelings after the Milan derby.

“After the match, there was a big sour taste,” Lautaro confirmed. “It’s disappointing because we deserved more.

“It hurts, but the group was aware that we put in a great performance.

“Now we’ve turned the page and are thinking about tomorrow’s match, which will be difficult.

“We are missing a little something; we haven’t found it yet.

“This sometimes worries us a bit because the performance is always there, and the team comes through in difficult moments.

“We have to pay attention to the details that make the difference.”

However, he expects the Nerazzurri to bounce back at the Metropolitano Stadium.

“Very motivating, because tomorrow will be extremely important for us.

“We come from a defeat in the derby.

“Even though we’ve left it behind, we need to get another three points because the last three games will be tough.

“We’ve recovered and prepared for the match in a day, we know them and their coach.

“And we are ready to face a strong team, but with our own weapons, we’ll try to make things difficult for them.”