Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho was full of praise for his players after last night's 2-0 Champions League victory over Panathinaikos.

"The three points were the best part, but I think we played a Champions League style game, especially away from home. It isn't easy and the team had the right character to play for the win," said Mourinho.

"The statistics say getting points away from home is key and we always come out to win. There were some difficult moments in the second half, but I think the win was deserved."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic set up both goals for Amantino Mancini and substitute Adriano.

"I congratulated Ibra because he worked so hard for the team and a player like him doesn't need to score in order to be decisive. His pass for Adriano was genius.

"I told Adriano to play between the full-back and central defender and that's precisely what he did! It was great movement."

Mourinho had complained that Roberto Mancini accustomed the side to playing defensively and he was working to transform their overall approach.

"It isn't simple to change the mentality of a team, but today we got the message across.

"The last two seasons Inter had lost the opening game of the Champions League, but I told them we were a better side than Panathinaikos and if we didn't come here at least playing to win, then we had absolutely no place in this competition.

"By introducing Adriano instead of a defender, that also got the message to them. I like attacking teams who always try to win, even away from home, and play with enthusiasm."