Barcelona 2-1 Inter Milan: Player ratings as Luis Suarez provides heroics and Alexis Sanchez is mixed bag

Andy West 01:13 03/10/2019
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Luis Suarez came to Barcelona’s rescue with two superbly taken second half goals, firing his team to a comeback victory over Inter Milan after Lautaro Martinez’s opener at the Camp Nou.

    There were some fine performances from both teams but also some stinkers…find out who fits into which category with our full player ratings.

    BARCELONA

    Starting XI

    Marc-Andre ter Stegen 7. Made an excellent diving stop from Martinez’s header at 0-1 – a moment which could prove decisive in Barca’s campaign.

    Sergi Roberto 5. Had a tough night at right-back, unable to penetrate in attack and facing a tough task against Sensi’s darting runs.

    Gerard Pique 5. Badly beaten by Martinez for the opener and later booked for a rash challenge, summing up an unconvincing display.

    Clement Lenglet 6. Looked vulnerable against the pace and trickery of Martinez and Sanchez, never instilling much confidence.

    Nelson Semedo 7. Playing on the left, he offered little going forward but was Barca’s best defender, making two key tackles.

    Frenkie de Jong 7. Looked uncertain of his role and positioning in the first half, but massively improved after moving central in the second.

    Sergio Busquets 4. Worryingly weak against Inter’s dynamic midfield trio, often looking in danger of losing possession and rightly replaced.

    Arthur 7. Initially couldn’t establish his usual passing rhythm against Inter’s outstanding organisation, but integral to the second half improvement.

    Lionel Messi 8. Returned from injury and was at the heart of his team’s best work, including a brilliant assist for Suarez’s late winner. He’s back.

    Luis Suarez 8. Below par until he levelled with a fabulous volley and then grabbed a superb winner, once again silencing the doubters.

    Antoine Griezmann 6. Had some bright moments, firing into the side-netting from a narrow angle, before being replaced by Dembele.

    Subs

    Arturo Vidal 8. Introduced as an attacking midfielder and made a huge difference, assisting Suarez’s equaliser and posing a constant threat.

    Ousmane Dembele 6. Introduced for the last 25 minutes and initially looked lively, firing just over from 20 yards, but didn’t build on that.

    INTER MILAN

    Starting XI

    Samir Handanovic 6. Made a couple of routine saves from Messi in the first half and had no chance with either of Suarez’s goals.

    Diego Godin 6. Going up against former teammate Griezmann he was as composed as ever, but lost Suarez for the winner.

    Stefan de Vrij 7. Rugged and uncompromising in the centre of Inter’s back three, relishing his physical battle with Suarez.

    Milan Skriniar 7. Had to guard against Messi’s runs cutting inside from the flank and did well, except the assist for the winner.

    Antonio Candreva 7. Solid in defence, helping Godin control Griezmann, and made a couple of good deliveries into the box.

    Nicolo Barella 6. Came close to scoring with a blocked shot in a strong first half but couldn’t get close to Arthur or de Jong in the second.

    Marcelo Brozovic 7. Sat in front of the back three, reading the game well to cut out through balls and deny Messi space. Struggled against Vidal.

    Stefano Sensi 7. Busy and sharp in midfield, using the ball well and firing a 20-yard curler just over. Faded badly after the break.

    Kwadwo Asamoah 6. Little impact on the ball but defended well enough, keeping Sergi Roberto in check and helping against Messi.

    Alexis Sanchez 6. Some brilliant touches against his former club, including a smart assist for the opener, but faded and was replaced.

    Lautaro Martinez 7. Made a fine run and shot to open the scoring, and nearly grabbed a second with a header. Tireless running.

    Subs

    Roberto Gagliardini 5. Introduced after Barca’s equaliser to beef up the midfield but he never really got into the game as the hosts took over.

    Danilo D’Ambrosio 6. Came on at wing-back to defend against Dembele and performed that task well in the latter stages.

    Matteo Politano 5. Added to the attack for the final ten minutes but couldn’t make the most of a couple of opportunities to support Martinez.

    Recommended