Barcelona hosted Inter Milan at the Camp Nou in their second game of the Champions League group stage. They emerged victorious by a 2-1 scoreline after going down 1-0.
Inter Milan started strongly, and they scored with their first attempt on goal as the ball fell kindly to Lautaro Martinez who carried it well and finished smartly past Marc Andre ter Stegen. The Italian heavyweights looked breathtaking on the counter, and they had numerous opportunities to increase their lead in the first half. Barcelona had more of the possession, but Handanovic was never really tested in the first 45.
However, the Spanish champions turned on the screw in the second half, and they got back in the game through a superb volley from Luis Suarez. Milan players looked a bit tired, and Barcelona had the upper hand in the second half. They completed their comeback when Messi went on a mazy run and setup Suarez who finished smartly for his second.
Here is how Valverde’s men fared on the night.
Marc Ander Ter Stegen 7
Made a few crucial saves in the first half to keep Barcelona in the game. Had a comfortable second period. Looked assured with the ball at his feet
Clement Lenglet 4
Could have been more attentive and read the danger for the first goal. Had a hard time in defence as Milan looked like scoring every time they had the ball in the first half. Was outmuscled on numerous occasions.
Gerard Pique 4.5
Looked restless in defence and just didn’t have the sense to read danger at the back. Had a comfortable second half as Barcelona controlled the game after the break.
Nelson Semedo 7
Made one crucial block from Alexis Sanchez. His pace was effective in disrupting quite some pacy counter-attacks from Milan. Worked hard and looked like the best defender.
Sergi Roberto 5.5
Got forward on plenty of occasions and linked up play well. Looked defensively vulnerable.
Sergio Busquets 6
Found it a bit tough to defend in the first half as Inter Milan players pressed well and picked their moments on the counter. Made a few important interventions. Did alright in possession.
Arthur Melo 6
Like most of his teammates, had a below-par first 45 but improved as the game went on. Looked far more assured in possession in the second half.
Frenkie De Jong 6.5
Caught the eye with some neat skills. Looked confident on the ball and helped Barcelona to dominate the game later on.
Antoine Griezmann 6
Had a quiet night as he struggled to get involved in the game. Had a few half chances here and there but nothing much apart from that.
Lionel Messi 7.5
Produced a top performance in the second 45 after a quiet first half where he was often hounded in packs. Played a big part in setting up the second goal as he made a smart run.
Luis Suarez 9
Man of the match performance from the Uruguayan as he showed that he can still crank it up when needed. Simply outstanding in both the goals as he grabbed a brace. Looked frustrated early on as quite a few fouls went against him but continued with his usual feistiness and got the reward. Stretched the play well with his smart movements.
Substitutes
Ousmane Dembele 6
Finishing was poor but looked threatening after coming on.
Arturo Vidal 7
Brought the much-needed energy in midfield and helped in defence by tracking back.
