BARCELONA - It was never going to be easy. However, despite the result, Inter’s performance yesterday showed that Barcelona do have some weak points. With 15 days to go until the next fixture between the two teams, the Nerazzurri will be out to expose them during the return leg at the Meazza which will likely prove decisive.
The Blaugrana boasted a higher rate of possession on Wednesday evening (64 percent), although the Nerazzurri still had chances through Politano, Vecino, Keita, Icardi.
We also did well in the running stats (110.9 km compared to our opponents 107), with Brozovic also standing out. He completed 55 passes in total, won all of his aerial duels, almost never played backwards (only 16.4 per cent of his touches didn’t go forwards) and was also the player most sought by his teammates to receive the ball (38 times). Politano also did well after coming on, although he shot over when presented with a chance to make it 1-1.
In net, Handanovic scored highly as he made some super saves, both with his hands and body. Skriniar put in a good effort at the back despite the constant menace of Suarez, finishing the game with a record of three tackles, five challenges and four blocks. Unfortunately, the Garra Charrua from Vecino wasn’t enough. Our No.8 showed heart (seven challenges and a long shot in the first half that went close) but he couldn’t find the winning touch this time.
"We were able to do better in the second half and we forced them into giving up more. We needed to be more precise," said Mauro Icardi after the game. This is also the point that we need to start again from. Barcelona dropped off and gave up more space in the second half and we must learn from the experience for the next meeting in two weeks at San Siro and make it count.
Qualification is still in our hands and we want to keep going. Forza Inter!
