Barcelona had a tough time against Inter Milan in the second leg of their Champions League clash at San Siro as the hosts fought tooth and nail, especially in the second half, to keep the Catalan giants quiet for as long as possible. The Messi-less Blaugrana side looked to attack from the word go but could not get anything past Samir Handanovic, who stood as the last line of defence for the Nerazzurri till the 82nd minute.
Malcom, who had come on as a substitute just minutes ago, scored with a brilliantly placed quick-fire shot to beat Handanovic. However, Barcelona’s elation was short-lived as the Serie A giants took advantage of a defensive lapse and scored via their captain Mauro Icardi, who got the ball in the back of the net through Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s legs.
The match ended at 1-1 and here is how the Barcelona players were rated from their win against Inter Milan.
Marc Andre Ter Stegen: 6
Had a rather quiet night throughout the match. Was not to be blamed for the goal conceded.
Jordi Alba: 7
Went up the pitch with great pace and pressed for the goal. Lacked the precision, however.
Clement Lenglet: 6
Did a good job for most of the match and kept the opposition strikers quiet. Could have done better to stop Icardi though.
Gerard Pique: 7
Great composure from the Spaniard as he led the high line of defence with perfection.
Sergi Roberto: 6
Decent outing for the right back. Lacked impact though.
Sergio Busquets: 6
His faulty decision making made it possible for Icardi to bring Inter back on level terms.
Arthur: 6
Lacked the pinpoint precision in his passing on the night.
Ivan Rakitic: 7
Tried to get the ball into the box as much as possible. Could have had a goal but was denied by Handanovic’s brilliant reflex.
Ousmane Dembele: 5
Another ordinary outing for the Frenchman. Lacked the pace and delivery.
Philippe Coutinho: 7
Tried his level best to break the defence but was not his night.
Luis Suarez: 6
Was uncharacteristically off colour and lacked the predatory precision in front of the goal.
Substitutes
Arturo Vidal: 5
Did well for his limited time out on the pitch with his energy.
Malcom: 7
Scored with just his second touch on the ball. Did a brilliant body faint to shrug off two defenders before finishing with his left foot. Sublime.
