In the third matchday on the Champions League group stage, Inter hosted Barcelona at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in a crucial battle between two European giants. While the Catalans dominated possession from the get-go, they failed to create genuine chances, while the Nerazzurri harassed them on counter attacks. At the end of the day, Hakan Calhanoglu’s strike late in the first half was the solitary difference between the two sides, giving Simone Inzaghi’s men a major boost in their quest to reach the knockout stages. So here are our player ratings for the thrilling clash between Inter and Barcelona.
Inter (3-5-2)
André Onana – 6
Surprisingly, the Cameroonian didn’t have to work too hard for his clean sheet. Made some routine interventions, but loses points for his poor clearance ahead of Pedri’s goal, albeit it was later disallowed.
Milan Skriniar – 7.5
Simply a rock at the back for Inter. The Slovakian was sporting the captain’s armband while looking every bit of a leader. Helped in nullifying Raphinha while also collaborating with de Vrij (and Acerbi later on) to keep Lewandowski in check.
Stefan de Vrij – 7
The Dutchman put his recent woes behind to produce an significantly improved displayed, even if he was one of the main culprits in Barcelona’s disallowed goal as he failed to head the ball out. Marshalled the backline with confidence, and won his duel against Lewa with ease.
Alessandro Bastoni – 7
Another brilliant performer at the back for the home side. The Italy international blocked Dembele’s path towards goal every time the Frenchman tried to storm into the box.
Matteo Darmian – 6.5
A solid if not spectacular outing from the former Man United wingback. Helped Srkiniar in dealing with Raphinha and Alonso, but rarely darted forward.
Nicolò Barella – 7
A vibrant display from the Euro 2020 winner who held his own in an epic battle against Pedri. Eased the pressure off his Inter teammates by repeatedly surging forward with the ball.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 7.5
The Turkish playmaker operated in the Regista role due to the absence of Marcelo Brozovic, and he surely didn’t disgrace himself in the process. Sent a warming for ter Stegen with a long-range effort early on, but his next shot found its way towards the bottom corner.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6.5
The Armenian was willing to do the dirty work in the middle of the park, frustrating the young Gavi in the process.
Federico Dimarco – 7
Another top notch display from the left wingback who’s enjoying his finest hour at the moment. Galloped forward repeatedly, and provided the assist for Hakan’s winner.
Lautaro Martinez – 6.5
The Argentina international sacrificed himself for the team, and fought for every ball until the 98th minute. A gutsy display.
Joaquin Correa – 6
The former Lazio forward thought he broke the deadlock but his goal was ruled out for a clear offside. Connected well with his teammates, but saw little of the ball.
Inter Substitutes
Edin Dzeko – 6
The Bosnian didn’t have clear-cut chances in front of goal, but was willing to work hard for the cause. Tracked back to support his teammates.
Robin Gosens – 5.5
The German replaced Dimarco in the second half, but provided none of the Italian’s attacking threat.
Francesco Acerbi – 6.5
The former Lazio man took the torch from de Vrij and kept Lewandowski at bay until the final whistle.
Denzel Dumfries – 5.5
The Dutchman appeared to have handled the ball inside his own penalty box, and was lucky to escape VAR’s wrath.
Kristjan Asllani – N/A
2016 – Hakan Çalhanoglu ha ritrovato il gol in Champions League che gli mancava dal 14 settembre 2016, contro il CSKA Mosca con la maglia del Bayer Leverkusen, sempre da fuori area. Chirurgo.#UCL #InterBarcellona pic.twitter.com/k7LkqdIh9e
— OptaPaolo ? (@OptaPaolo) October 4, 2022
Barcelona (4-3-3)
Marc-André ter Stegen – 6
The German custodian palmed away Calhanoglu’s first effort, but could do little to prevent the Turk’s winner. His services weren’t needed during the second period.
Sergi Roberto – 6
An energetic display from the versatile Spaniard who trotted up and down the right lane for the entire match, but was never able to deliver exquisite balls to the attackers.
Andreas Christensen – 6
The former Chelsea man was having a decent outing but his evening was interrupted by what appeared to be an ankle injury.
Eric Garcia – 6
The former Man City youngster was lucky not to give away a spot kick to Inter after handling the ball, as he was bailed by a marginal offside call. Made a crucial interception to prevent a clear-cut chance for Lautaro.
Marcos Alonso – 5.5
The former Fiorentina fullback camped inside the Nerazzurri’s half and put himself in great positions to inflict damage, but his crosses were often intercepted, mostly by Darmian and Skriniar.
Gavi – 5.5
The teenager is obviously a mercurial talent, but couldn’t leave his mark in the middle of the park.
Sergio Busquets – 6
A true veteran performance from the Barcelona captain. Kept the ball ticking in midfield, but was a little late on Calhanoglu’s goal, as he couldn’t arrive in time to block the dooming shot.
Pedri – 7.5
Even though he ended up on losing side, the young Spaniard was arguably the best player on the pitch. Every touch of his simply oozes with class and talent. Momentarily celebrated an equalizer, but was then disallowed by VAR.
Raphinha – 4.5
A night to forget for the former Leeds United winger who repeatedly lost possession while failing to produce anything noteworthy.
Robert Lewandowski – 4.5
A disappointing European night for the Polish legend who eventually surrendered to the unyielding Inter defenses. Completely isolated and uncharacteristically ineffective.
Ousmane Dembelè – 6
The French enigma was the only Barcelona attacker who tried to make something happen upfront, even though he was wasteful himself. Enjoyed some thrilling runs, and it was his cross that led to Pedri’s disallowed goal.
Barcelona Substitutes
Gerard Piqué – 6
The veteran replaced the injured Christensen early in the second half, and put up a solid display at the back. Made a timely clearance with his head to prevent the cross from reaching Dzeko.
Ansu Fati – 5.5
The young La Masia product showcased flashes of talent, but despite being an obvious improvement on Raphinha, he didn’t truly turn the tide in Barca’s favor. His handball ended up overruling Pedri’s equalizer.
Alejandro Balde – 5.5
The young left-back replaced Alonso but was hardly an upgrade.
Franck Kessié – 6
A positive display from the former Milan man on his return to the San Siro. Won a freekick in a dangerous spot, but his introduction came too late.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |