Following their invaluable victory at the Giuseppe Meazza last week, Inter were hoping to snatch a point at the Camp Nou from their second clash against Barcelona. Following a back-and-forth battle that featured incredible drama, the encounter ended 3-3, with the Catalans’ hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout stage now hanging by a thread.
Starting Lineups
As always, the Blaugrana took a 4-3-3 shape under the guidance of Xavi. Marc-André ter Stegen started in goal, while the backline consisted of Sergi Roberto, Eric Garcia, Gerard Piqué and Marcos Alonso.
Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets acted a Regista in between the young duo of Gavi and Pedri. Upfront, Robert Lewandowski led the attack, flanked by Raphinha and Ousmane Dembélé.
Simone Inzaghi unleashed his best possible 3-5-2 lineup in the absence of Romelu Lukaku and Marcelo Brozovic. The Italian tactician once again favored André Onana in goal ahead of club captain Samir Handanovic.
Edin Dezko spearhead the attack with Lautaro Martinez by his side, while Hakan Calhanoglu acted as deep-lying playmaker, supported by Nicolò Barella and Henrik Mkhitaryan. Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco took the wingback roles.
Dzeko Comes Close
Although Barcelona had the upper hand from the get-go, it was Inter who created the most significant chance in the first half, as Dzeko lashed forward to direct a cross towards goal. His shot hit the woodwork before landing on the goal-line.
Nonetheless, the Catalans’ dominance grew as the the first half progressed, but Onana made some solid saves to deny Xavi’s men.
Barcelona Take the Lead
Eventually, Barca’s chances came to fruition, as the hosts broke the deadlock five minutes before the halftime break. Raphinha connected with Roberto on the byline, and the latter picked up Dembélé inside the box between a sea of Beneamata defenders. The Frenchman made no mistake from close-range.
An extraordinary game at Camp Nou. Well played, boys! ?#BarçaInter 3-3 (FT)#UCL #ForzaInter pic.twitter.com/cLFy43bBi3
— Inter (@Inter_en) October 12, 2022
Italian Revolt
Nevertheless, Inter looked revived after the break, and only needed five minutes to grab an equalizer. Bastoni’s sublime long-range cross found Barella inside the box as Piqué’s baffling positioning broke the offside trap. The midfielder produced a stunning chest and volley that rocked ter Stegen’s net.
Inter didn’t stop there, as they stunned Barcelona with a second goal courtesy of Lautaro. Barella played the provider’s role this time with a lovely cross towards the Argentine who controlled the ball before unleashing a low drive that hit both posts before deciding to enter the net.
Crazy Ending
Although the legendary Pole had been isolated for the second match in a row against the Nerazzurri, he managed to restore the Spanish hopes with a vital equalizer at the 80th minute. The former Bayern Munich man pounced on poor clearance from Stefan de Vrij and his shot took a deflection off Bastoni to wrong-foot Onana.
But few minutes later, Robin Gosens put Inter in the lead once again with a clinical finish, prompting wild celebrations from the visitors.
Yet, the German’s goal wasn’t meant to be the winner, as Lewandowski dragged the hosts with an another equalizer in injury-time to make it 3-3.
While Barcelona were desperately pushing for a winner, Kristjan Asllani should have sealed it for Inter on a deadly counter attack, but he couldn’t put his shot past past ter Stegen from close-range.
In the end, the Italians were still satisfied with the result, as it put them on the cusp of qualification to the round of 16.
What a night!
Barcelona 1-0 Inter
Barcelona 1-1 Inter
Barcelona 1-2 Inter
Barcelona 2-2 Inter
Barcelona 2-3 Inter
Barcelona 3-3 InterIncredible ?#UCL pic.twitter.com/ur90sorEAr
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 12, 2022
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