First Leg to Inter

As a Barcelona fan, I must say that yesterday’s showing was nothing short of atrocious. On many an occasion Inter Milan were clearly the better team. The combination of Samuel Eto’o and Maicon down the right caused no shortage of problems for the likes of Keita and Maxwell. In the middle, Xavi was his usual efficient self, spreading passes around with a completion percentage just short of 90%. Apart from him and Pedro, Barcelona were but a shadow of themselves.

Maybe it was the long commute that they had to make in order to take part in that first leg that contributed to their listless performance. Maybe it was the extremely impartial referee that distributed fouls and cards fairly. Dani Alves penalty? Clearly he dived under little to no pressure from the Inter defender. Or maybe Pedro kept trying to deceive us with his share of feigning, appearing to be kicked (Maicon) or elbowed (Lucio).

'According to sources ranging from Al Jazeera to Sky Sport 24, Barcelona midfielder Xavi offered some choice thoughts in the tunnel in the direction of Inter coach Jose Mourinho.The fiery Catalan allegedly announced that Inter's victory was in part down to Portuguese referee Olegario Benquerenca who, of course, shares a nationality with Jose.'

All in all, inter were the better team on the night. Jose had a plan, and his soldiers executed it perfectly. Round one deservedly goes to Jose, but if history has taught us aything, it's that you should not write off Pep's troops. This 3-1 result can be turned around at the Camp Nou. As daunting as it may seem to mere 'mortal' team, to FCB, it will be difficult but not impossible.