Inter Milan 1-1 Barcelona: Player ratings from the San Siro as Malcom and Milan Skriniar impress

INTER MILAN (4-2-3-1)

Handanovic 7. Made a steady stream of saves to keep his team in the game. None of them were spectacular but he avoided mistakes well.

Vrsaljko 5. Consistently pushed back by Coutinho, who gave him constant problems, and unable to many any attacking impact.

De Vrij 5. A poor early error to give Dembele a chance but and he struggled to contain Suarez throughout. Relieved to hear the final whistle.

Skriniar 7. Made a couple of key interventions to snuff out dangerous situations, and was probably Inter’s best outfield player without much competition.

Asamoah 6. Fired over after a rare venture forward but was otherwise forced to concentrate on defending against Dembele.

Vecino 5. Came close after 30 seconds but that proved to be the high point for both himself and the team. Overrun in midfield.

Brozovic 4. Ponderous in possession and slow to close down space, this was a really poor performance from a player with a big reputation.

Politano 5. Sent Inter’s best chance wide with a free header from the penalty spot, but otherwise made little headway down the right.

Nainggolan 4. Virtually invisible before being replaced an hour into the game, having made no significant contributions.

Perisic 6. Very quiet early on but grew into the game, delivering a dangerous second half cross to give Politano a decent chance.

Icardi 6. Barely had a kick in the first half as Barça cruised, and continued to do nothing until pouncing for the leveller.

SUBSTITUTES 

Valero 6. Offered a fresh dose of creativity to a previously pedestrian side, showing some flashes of attacking intent.

Candreva 5. Little chance to make an impact after appearing from the bench for the latter stages.

Martinez 6. Came on to bolster the attack in the latter stages and played his part by teeing up Icardi for the equaliser.

BARCELONA (4-3-3)

Ter Stegen 7. Had virtually nothing to do as his team bosses the game, but his few calls to action were executed well.

Roberto 7. Reliable coming forward and industrious in defence, this was a solid display to show why he is still first choice right back.

Pique 8. Almost flawless in the centre of defence, including an outstanding block on a rare chance for Icardi. Back to his best.

Lenglet 7. Anticipated well and acted decisively to snuff out Inter’s attacks, although one loose clearance created danger for his team.

Alba 7. Gave an injury scare as he hurt his back stretching to reach a through ball but recovered for another energy-packed display.

Rakitic 7. Kept things moving in midfield and drilled a low first half strike just wide. Provided a good link between midfield and attack.

Busquets 8. Imperious in the centre of the field, seeming to know what was happening two seconds before everyone else.

Arthur 7. Looked out of sorts in the early stages but soon settled to exert a cool control over possession, before being replaced by Vidal.

Dembele 6. Threatened in the opening minutes, but proceeded to deliver another hot and cold performance and was eventually replaced.

Suarez 7. Came close on four occasions in the opening half and always looked dangerous. Will be wondering how he didn’t score.

Coutinho 7. Regularly linked well with Suarez, coming close with a series of powerful long range efforts. Assisted Malcom for the opener.

SUBSTITUTES 

Vidal 6. Added for the last 20 minutes for some more midfield muscle, and did his job in an unusually controlled manner.

Malcom 7. Given a very rare outing as a late substitute for Dembele and made the most of it with practically his first touch, netting the opener.