Barcelona 2-1 Inter Milan
Inter Milan have not had a great record at the Camp Nou in recent years. But heading into their first Champions League group stage clash against Barcelona, they seemingly had a great opportunity to come away with a good result.
They were flying high atop the Serie A standings, going undefeated in their first six games. And they were also facing a Barca side that had been unconvincing thus far this season and was still sweating the fitness of superstar Lionel Messi.
However, the Champions League 2019 betting odds still fancied Barca to come out on top, and they did just that despite going down after just two minutes.
The Nerazzurri were once again foiled in their bid to end their Camp Nou hoodoo as Barca staged a stirring second-half comeback led by a resurgent Messi and Luis Suarez, who came up with two spectacular finishes.
Highlights of the game
There was big Champions League 2019 news in attack for both sides as the two starting XIs were announced. For Barca, Lionel Messi got the start as he returned from a recent groin problem. Meanwhile, Inter had Alexis Sanchez starting with top goalscorer Romelu Lukaku out due to a quad injury.
However, it was Alexis’ strike partner, Lautaro Martinez, who gave Inter a dream start after just two minutes. The Argentine found himself through on goal after a quickly taken free-kick. He then displayed tremendous strength to ward off Clement Lenglet’s challenge as he supplied a wonderful left-footed finish to beat Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Pegged back by that early goal, Barca went out in search of an equaliser. Antoine Griezmann came close in the 15th minute, but his header sailed just over the bar. Four minutes later, Sergio Busquets tried his luck with a shot from the edge of the box, but he too sent his effort too high.
Lionel Messi, who hadn’t been at his best this season after returning from a calf injury, got his first shot on 25 minutes. However, it was smothered rather comfortably by Inter skipper Samir Handanovic, who’s been in fine form this season.
Lautaro and Inter then had a chance to double their advantage on 37 minutes. Antonio Candreva whipped in a beautiful cross to the Argentine, who rose high to deliver a powerful header, but ter Stegen came up with a spectacular save to keep Barca in the game.
Inter had another chance just minutes later which fell to Stefano Sensi. The midfielder has been one of the team’s standout performers this season with three goals already to his name, but he was unable to keep his curling effort from rising over the bar.
The visitors would be left to rue their missed opportunities as Barcelona finally got their equaliser on 58 minutes. Luis Suarez met an Arturo Vidal cross with a simple sublime volley from the edge of the box which gave Handanovic no chance.
Messi and Barca were in control for much of the second half, but it took them until the 84th minute to finally get the winning goal. Messi went on a vintage run as he took on multiple Inter defenders coming from deep in midfield. He then laid the ball off to Suarez, who did the rest as he supplied another clinical finish.
That was all she wrote for Inter, who were left to wallow in more Camp Nou misery.
Key statistics
With Barca’s latest win, they have maintained their perfect record of five victories in five matches against Inter at the Camp Nou.
The Catalans had 65 per cent of possession and outshot the visitors 17-11 and 7-3 in terms of shots on target.
Lautaro was a huge part of Inter’s attack as he contributed five shots, with three on target.
As for Barca, Messi looked back to his best after some unconvincing early-season performances. The Argentine had a team-high four shots, with three on target, as well as 10 successful dribbles.
What’s next?
Inter don’t have much time to dwell on their Camp Nou heartbreak as they have another huge matchup coming up this weekend. The Nerazzurri host fierce rivals Juventus for a top of the table clash.
Don’t forget to check out SBOBET’s comprehensive preview of this Derby d’Italia, which could have major implications on the title race.
As for Barcelona, they have a slightly easier assignment this weekend as they host Sevilla, who will be in Europa League action against APOEL Nicosia.
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