An injured Lionel Messi watched on from the stands as Barcelona were able to secure a convincing 2-0 Champions League group stage win over Inter Milan without their talisman.
Rafinha Alcantara played in place of Messi at Camp Nou and fittingly scored the opening goal in the 32nd minute, one that was beautifully engineered by Luis Suarez’s excellent vision and execution.
The hosts went on to miss a series of chances over the course of the contest, until Jordi Alba finally doubled their advantage from Ivan Rakitic’s through ball in the 83rd minute.
Here is our report card from the clash.
30-SECOND REPORT
Messi’s absence predictably dominated the build-up to the encounter and during the first half hour, Barcelona seemed to sorely miss his influence.
While they enjoyed much of the ball, they struggled to get in behind a well-organised Inter defence, often advancing to the final third only to retreat into the midfield and start again.
However, Suarez’s influence grew as the game went on and he began to link-up well with the likes of Coutinho and Rafinha in particular. The movement from the front three unsettled the Serie A outfit’s back-line, allowing Arthur and Rakitic to get involved further up the pitch as well.
A piece of brilliance from Suarez set Rafinha up to break the deadlock and Barcelona looked in complete control. However, the away side kept issuing regular reminders of the threat they pose, most notably through ex-Barca academy player Mauro Icardi who had a couple of half-chances come his way.
Ultimately, the Catalans’ dominance on the ball should’ve put them well ahead and Alba’s effort in the closing stages saw them assume complete control.
THE GOOD
Suarez – With Messi out of action, Suarez stepped up and played a bigger role in Barcelona’s passing inside the final third, making three key passes. His movement was superb whether he was dropping off, peeling wide or running in behind. His sumptuous pass for Rafinha’s goal confirmed him as the game’s best player. Barca would’ve been pleased with his display just when they needed him to level up.
The vision from @LuisSuarez9 to find Rafinha 👀
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 24, 2018
(🎥 U.S. only) pic.twitter.com/hbYM2E8ufc
Inter’s flanks – When the visitors broke forward, their focus was down the flanks with Ivan Perisic and Antonio Candreva whipping in a few decent crosses. Icardi nearly scored from Perisic’s delivery during the first half. Matteo Politano replaced Candreva at half-time and threatened with a few crosses as well, while Lautaro Martinez put his effort wide from Kwadwo Asamoah’s delivery deep into the second half.
THE BAD
Missed chances – Barcelona should’ve been out of sight in this game, but they were wasteful in front of goal and that kept Inter in the contest throughout. Clement Lenglet had two glorious chances, one in each half, but failed to take advantage while Coutinho hit the bar as well. It was only when Alba scored in the 83rd minute that the game was put to bed.
4 - Jordi Alba has been directly involved in more goals than any other defender in the @ChampionsLeague this season (one goal and three assists). Jet. pic.twitter.com/T62tdfKWsk
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) October 24, 2018
Midfield battle – Inter tried to remain compact and contain Barcelona, doing so for large periods as well but they ultimately surrendered far too much of the ball. Their midfield couldn’t get near Barca’s and that’s where they lost the game. Marcelo Brozovic, Borja Valero, Martinez and Matias Vecino had 11 fouls and three yellow cards between them.
TACTICAL TURNING POINT
Rafinha role – Messi’s absence was always going to be a blow, but Valverde took the decision to play Rafinha on the right in his stead, not Ousmane Dembele. It worked wonders as he, along with Coutinho on the opposite side, played very narrow, allowing the full-backs to bomb forward and generate width. Meanwhile, their play through the middle meant Suarez had the freedom to roam and drift wide from where he created numerous chances, including the pass for Rafinha to score the opener.
VERDICTS
INTER MILAN: C
There wasn’t much wrong with the way they set up and they had their moments in the final third, but couldn’t fashion a clear-cut opportunity. Needed more outlets on the break, while their midfield just couldn’t compete with Barca’s.
BARCELONA: A-
A lot of positives to take from this result, not least of which will be the clean sheet and Inter’s lack of chances. The defence was solid when it needed to be. Arthur and Rakitic bossed the midfield, while Suarez was sensational up front and deserved a goal.
