Inter coach Roberto Mancini was pleased with the way his team responded to the shock of falling behind in the first minute.

Goals from Adriano and Obafemi Martins secured a narrow 2-1 win for Inter after the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal first leg tie against Villarreal.

“It wasn’t easy after the way the game started for us. There was a little lack of concentration at the start but we reacted very well and played some good football,” said Mancini.

“Villarreal are a really strong team with two fantastic forwards.

“They play at a high tempo. I’m pleased with the result. I think we’ll have to win the second leg in order to reach the semi-finals but we are ready after winning the first leg.

“We played very, very well the first 25 minutes of the second half and maybe we paid for that with some fatigue in the final quarter hour.

“Obviously we would have liked to score a third goal but unfortunately we could not. We were a bit tired, especially in the last 15 minutes.

“We conceded a goal in the first minute but reacted brilliantly, particularly in the first 25 minutes – that’s why we were a bit tired. Adriano did well, but he can do even better.

Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini hopes that Diego Forlan’s goal after 45 seconds could yet prove to be decisive.

“It is a good result but also a dangerous one,” said Pellegrini.

“I don’t like to lose but we still have 90 minutes to play and we’ll see. Forlan’s goal is really important, it makes us more optimistic about the tie. To score away from home is always important.

” I think my team has done well and that the game was really balanced. Some of my players were not in good shape and were doubtful for this match.

“We scored one goal and hit the bar – generally I’m quite satisfied with the performance and we’ll fight very hard in the second leg.