FC Barcelona 2-0 Inter Milan
Worry was aplenty for Barcelona ahead of their Champions League clash against Inter Milan. Lionel Messi wouldn’t be playing for any Barca game for a minimum of three weeks, and the psychological impact of losing their star ahead of an important European clash is not something to scoff about.
However, it seemed like the fans didn’t have much to worry about. Barca provided plenty of Champions League 2018 highlights by playing their usual brand of football despite the absence of their star man.
The Blaugrana proved that they are still an extremely talented team even without Leo. They have more than enough players ready to step up and shine for the Barcelona shirt.
Highlights of the game
Inter Milan knew that their opponents would still be rattled without their talisman and applied a high-pressing defence on Barcelona during the early minutes. The Nerazzurri played hard-nosed defence early and threatened in the 19th minute when Ivan Perisic played a dangerous low ball for Mauro Icardi that was blocked by Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Barcelona countered when a quick run from the subsequent short goal kick ended in a corner taken by Philippe Coutinho. Clement Lenglet met the ball and aimed a low header that Samir Handanovic saved brilliantly. The Blaugrana found their groove from that moment on, with Rafinha and Luis Suarez making moves on the attack.
Icardi was determined to get one up on Barcelona, and his 25th-minute run almost gave him a clear shot at goal. The Barcelona defence was stuck to him, however, and managed to dispossess him. Rafinha quickly replied with a beautiful shot of his own after some beautiful passing from Barcelona. However, Handanovic got to the ball without a hitch.
Busquets showcased a bit of quality when he made a cutting pass to let Sergi Roberto through. However, the Spaniard’s cross wasn’t handled properly. The tension was mounting in Camp Nou as the hosts still haven’t scored at the half-hour mark.
Soon enough, Rafinha comforted the tense crowd and put Barca up in the 32nd minute: he volleyed a sublime Luis Suarez cross in front of Handanovic.
It was clear to everyone then on that Barca were in the driver’s seat. Inter Milan did try to mount attacks whenever they had the ball, but Matias Vecino’s long-range strike was off the mark. Philippe Coutinho ended the half with a free kick that drifted wide of the goal.
Luciano Spalletti brought in Matteo Politano after the half-time break, and the 25-year-old immediately made his presence felt early in the second half when he tried Ter Stegen twice. The German stopper made a great save to stop his 50th-minute strike. Two minutes later, his effort from outside the box flew way over the crossbar.
Barcelona almost doubled their lead when a defending error by Inter Milan saw Lenglet with the ball, but the on-form Handanovic managed to stop the ball from going in. The Slovenian stopper has done a fine job for Inter in this game, and Barca were having a hard time getting goals past him.
Barcelona threatened further with a cheeky Luis Suarez free-kick and a spell wherein the Blaugrana fired shot after shot at the Inter goal. Unfortunately for them, they weren’t able to get anything out of those attempts.
Inter had another great chance when Lautaro Martinez got a cross inside the box in the 79th minute, but his strike from the six-yard box wasn’t accurate enough. It would turn out to be a chance he would rue not making as Jordi Alba made a great run inside in the 83rd minute and coolly slotted the ball past to the goal’s right-hand side.
Barcelona then kept their defences up while keeping the pressure on the Milan backline. A satisfied Lionel Messi then left the Camp Nou stands three minutes before the end of the game. Any doubts about the team underperforming in the many Barcelona vs Inter Milan predictions ahead of the match were quickly dispelled.
Barcelona are still a great team without Lionel Messi, and their opponents better beware.
Key Statistics
No matter what happens, Luciano Spalletti cannot blame Handanovic for the shoddy scoreline. The Slovenian stopper prevented nine shots from going into the back of the net. Ter Stegen, his Barcelona counterpart, also had work to do as the Inter attack fired three shots that he had to save.
After all, Barcelona were simply superb on the day. The Blaugrana had 21 shot attempts with 11 of those on target. They completed 87.06% of their 765 passes and held the ball for almost two-thirds of the match. It was no wonder that Inter had to commit 22 fouls and get three yellow cards to at least compete with Barca.
At the very least, they can return to Milan with lighter hearts: they are still second at the Group B table after Tottenham and PSV settled for a draw.
What’s next?
There is still more to come for the SBOBET Champions League 2018 market as both teams still have matches to play. Inter will have their crack at revenge when they welcome Barcelona at the San Siro on November 7th.
However, both sides will have to focus on their upcoming league games. Inter will have an interesting challenge in Rome when they square off against Lazio, while Barcelona will be playing their first El Clasico against a struggling Real Madrid side without both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
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