Barcelona may not have been entirely happy with their home performance against Inter Milan, but the match was certainly befitting of the stakes surrounding a Champions League semifinal matchup.
Barça returned to the semifinals for the first time since a catastrophic defeat to Liverpool.
They’re lucky they were favorites heading into the match, as Inter had not been performing at a high level as of late, but Inzaghi’s players came to play.
Inter struck early, shocking the home crowd at Montjuic with two quick goals, but Barça rallied (in large part due to a sensational individual skill display from Lamine Yamal and a composed finish from Ferran Torres), and were back level before the half.
Then Inter took the lead again from a free-kick set play, and Raphinha thundered in a long-range equalizer to set the stage for the second leg tie standing at an even 3-3.
Here are the Barcelona player ratings:
Wojciech Szczesny: 6
Not much he could do about Inter’s first two goals, but maybe he could have reacted better to the third. Distribution was solid.
Gerard Martin: 6
A solid but mild game from left back, he performed his defensive duties well but provided little going forward.
Inigo Martinez: 6.5
Had trouble at times against Inter’s pace and physicality, but kept a disciplined offside line for Barça when they went down.
Pau Cubarsi: 7.5
The best Barça defender on the day, especially early on against Inter’s counterattack. Showed maturity beyond his years.
Jules Kounde: 6.5
Solid on the right side until his unfortunate injury, we will find out how big of a loss it will be for next week’s second leg.
Frenkie de Jong: 7
Provided composure to the midfield with thoughtful passing; there were times he was left exposed in transitions.
Pedri: 8.5
The main driver of Barça’s midfield, calm under pressure and sublime pre-assist for Raphinha’s goal.
Dani Olmo: 7
Creative and original at times, he just lacked the edge in tight situations, losing possession often.
Lamine Yamal: 9
Mesmerising performance carrying the attack with Messi-vibes. Stunning individual goal started Barça’s comeback.
Raphinha: 8.5
Started slow and grew into the game. Assisted Torres’ goal before smashing in a rocket to level it at 3-3.
Ferran Torres: 8.5
Missed a big chance early but made up for it with a good finish to score the equaliser.
Substitutes:
Eric Garcia: 7
Slotted in well after Kounde’s injury and provided defensive stability.
Ronald Araujo: 7
Brought some solidity but couldn’t stop Inter’s threat from set-pieces.
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