Two of European football’s juggernauts, Barcelona and Inter Milan, were always going to go head to head in their UEFA Champions League group – but few could’ve anticipated the entertaining chess match that we actually got. In the end, Barca came from behind and put Inter to the sword with an efficient 2-1 victory to get three points on the board.
Knocking at the door
With 33 Champions League games unbeaten at home few were anticipating anything other than the status quo from the home side, but within two minutes, the system was shocked. Lautaro Martinez, who many believe is on the wishlist of the Spanish giants, gave Inter the lead. He then went close to adding a second within the early stages, but ter Stegen was able to keep him at bay.
History looked like it was on the verge of being made because if Barca had failed to register a win, it would’ve marked the first time that neither they or Real had won after two games in the UCL. As the minutes ticked by there was an anticipation that their momentum was gradually building, and within 15 minutes of the second half beginning, they had drawn themselves level with Luis Suarez finishing off a delightful move with a great volley to set up a blockbuster final half hour.
Finding success
Then, with just over five minutes remaining, Lionel Messi played the ball into the path of Suarez again who was able to touch it past his countryman and smash in what proved to be the winner. From the perspective of importance, it’s clear for everyone to see that this could easily be a defining moment in the season of both Barca and Inter, who are expected to be playing for the crown all the way through until the latter stages of this year’s competition.
The attention of Barcelona fans will now turn towards this Sunday when they host Sevilla, in a game that they cannot really afford to lose in the race to retain their La Liga title. On the very same evening Inter Milan will be back in action, as they attempt to prove themselves once and for all against reigning Italian champions Juventus at the San Siro.
Match Report
Barcelona: ter Stegen (6.5), Semedo (7), Lenglet (6.5), Pique (6.5), Roberto (6.5), Arthur (7), Busquets (6.5), Jong (7), Griezmann (6.5), Suarez (9), Messi (9), Dembele (6), Vidal (7)
Inter Milan: Handanovic (7), Godin (6.5), Vrij (6.5), Skriniar (6), Brozovic (6.5), Candreva (6.5), Barella (6.5), Sensi (6.5), Asamoah (6.5), Sanchez (6.5), Martinez (7.5), Politano (6), Gagliardini (6), D’Ambrosio (5.5)
Referee: Damir Skomina
Goals: Suarez x2 :: Martinez
Yellow Cards: Roberto, Pique, Vidal, Griezmann, Barella, Sanchez
Red Cards: N/A
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