“They have played their style of football. We have not been as effective as in other games. The pitch was quite fast and we tried on the wings and through the middle. Our opponent has not made it easy for us.” – Pep Guardiola
The Nerazzurri produced a fine first-leg display as they came from behind to beat holders Barcelona and take control of this Champions League semi-final.
Once again Jose Mourinho got his tactics spot on when it really matters, and Pep Guardiola and Barcelona know this. The question is; can Barcelona now salvage the tie and retain their Champions League crown which is hanging by a thread?
Inter allowed Barcelona the ball where they couldn’t hurt them, then picked the right moments to press and harass Barca before launching lightning-fast counter attacks. It was a perfect ‘team’ display by the Nerazzurri who collectively to a man executed Mourinho’s game plan to perfection.
Jose Mourinho and Inter know that there is still a long hard battle awaiting them in the second leg at Camp Nou next week. They will also know that scoring an away goal will mean that Barcelona will have it all to do as they will have to find a way past their rock solid defence at least three times – but with Messi on form that is possible!
Inter Milan are now favourites to qualify for the final at 1.70, with Barcelona facing an uphill task they are 2.05 to make it to the final at the Bernabau stadium next month.
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