As much as I love to hate the self appointed “special one” Jose Mourinho, it seems that his talents truly helped Inter achieve a terrific 3-1 victory at the San Siro over visitors Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals. Barca forward Pedro struck first, which is normally enough to rattle any squad, but Mourinho’s experienced men stepped up their game in response to the goal, scoring three unanswered to shock the title holders. A first half goal by Wesley Sneijder was followed by second half strikes from Maicon and Milito respectively. As an admitted Barca fan and Inter hater, the result was shocking for me to say the least, but it should be very interesting to see whether or not Barcelona can continue their epic run of success and come back at the Nou Camp in the second leg next Wednesday. So without further ado, here are one mans version of the games player ratings, on a 1-10 scale. Comments and critiques welcome.
Barcelona
Victor Valdes GK : This performance no doubt reminded many Barca fans of his shaky performances of old. None of the goals were directly his fault, but he also made no defining saves and failed to catch aerial balls. Rating-3
Carlos Puyol CB: Also not one of Puyol’s typical performances, other than his yellow which keeps him out of the return leg. Often got caught up the pitch too high and should’ve been stronger on the 2nd goal. Rating-4
Gerard Pique CB: Was randomly Barca’s best attacking threat in the second half, as he got on the ball multiple times in the thick of the Inter box, forcing Lucio to help out his keeper. Yet it reflects poorly on him that Barca gave up three goals, which is an extreme rarity. Rating-5.5
Dani Alves RWB: One word, Poor. This was one of the few matches where Alves hurt his team much more than he helped. He couldn’t get forward effectively until very late, and left Sneijder all alone at the back post for the first goal. This should have been a wake up call, but Sneijder was wide open again for the Inters’ final goal. Rating-2.5
Lionel Messi CF: Playing centrally once again, Messi had a tough time finding space. He often beat one Inter defender only to find another one tackling the ball away. Had some shots on goal, yet also lost the ball that led to the first Inter goal. This was a performance nothing like his 4 goal masterpiece against Arsenal. Rating-5
Zlatan Ibrahimovic ST: Never really got involved. Perhaps his best chance came in the opening minutes when he was reluctant to lay his body on the line for a nice Maxwell cross. Subbed off after the 2nd Inter goal. Rating-4
Xavi CM: One of the few bright spots as usual for Barca, he controlled the midfield for long stretches. Created several good chances, but was not able to fully unlock the Inter defense. Rating-7
Sergio Busquets CDM: While he had his typical quiet game, the team gave up three goals, which reflected poorly on him. In addition, had a great chance from an unmarked corner, but his header was well saved by Julio Ceasar. If he had put that ball in the back of the net, it would have changed things greatly Rating-4
Seydou Keita CM: Didn’t provide much initial support to Xavi, but was seen aiding Maxwell in defense on occasion. Played much better towards the games end when Barca had all the possession. Rating-5
Pedro LF: Once again showed why he deserves to make Spain’s WC roster. Had a classy finish on the goal, and made several sick moves to draw fouls against helpless Inter defenders. Rating-7.5
Maxwell LWB: Did all the work to brilliantly create and set up Pedro’s goal, and also got forward often. However, he felt the wrath of Maicon in the second half, which included scoring Inters’ second goal. Rating-7
Substitutes
Eric Abidal LWB: He was subbed on for Ibra of all people by Guardiola. Yet the move was mostly effective, as he was able to combine with Maxwell up the left flank to put in some dangerous crosses. Rating-6
Internazionale Milano
Julio Ceasar GK: Good game by the Brazil International who is slowly rounding into form after his nasty Lamborghini crash in February. Had no chance on the goal, yet came up huge later. His saves against Busquests and Pique were world class. Rating-7
Lucio CB: While his giveaway ended up leading to the first goal, he worked hard as always. He made several acrobatic clearances and was tough in the second half. Rating-5.5
Walter Samuel CB: One of the unsung men of the match for Inter, he kept the defense from breaking on many occasions. He also had a goal saving block on a Pedro shot. Great game. Rating-7
Maicon RWB: A tale of two halves for the talented Brazilian. In the first, he never got forward, and inexplicably ran away from Maxwell as he was flying up the wing to create the opening goal. Yet he came out a changed man in the second, with a tricky finish off a long run to score the crucial go ahead goal. His night ended in pain as he was caught in the chin/mouth by an accidental Messi shoulder that resulted in his being stretchered off the field looking in a great deal of pain. Rating-5
Samuel Eto’o ST: Not involved as much in the game as much as his teammates, he nevertheless was able to drop into midfield on occasion to aid in possession. His poor cross somehow found Sneijder for the tying goal Rating-6
Diego Milito ST: A great game to go along with a quietly terrific season for the Argentine. He never got discouraged despite missing some marvelous early chances, and it paid off. He got the first two assists by not panicking in tight spots, and scored after Sneijder’s terrible header bounced to him in his questionably onsides position. Rating-7.5
Esteban Cambiasso CDM: Played his typically solid game in midfield with good vision. Yet he had trouble trying to contain Xavi and was caught out for pace by Maxwell on the goal, but received no help from Maicon. Rating-5
Tiago Motta CDM: As always, the one Inter player invisible on the pitch. Occasionally blocked a shot, but he has to be given some credit for not letting Messi run riot. Rating-5.5
Wesley Sneijder CAM: Good, Bad, and Ugly. Only two plays kept him from a stellar performance. His Intramural level finish on an open header somehow bounced to an offsides Milito for the final goal, and also trapped a through ball on goal out of bounds. Yet he managed to score a goal and create numerous other chances. Rating-7
Goran Pandev LW: Never really pushed up with the strikers, and had only one move up the left that merited mentioning. Was subbed in the 56th and replaced by Stankovic. Rating-5
Javier Zanetti LWB: Another good match for the experienced Argentine. Made a stellar one on one tackle against compatriot Messi, and showed his versatility when he switched to the right side after the injury to Maicon.
Rating-6
Substitutes
Dejan Stankovic CM: Was an effective substitute for Mourinho. He was especially committed in getting back and aiding the defense. Unfortunately drew a yellow that will see him suspended for the return leg. Rating-5
Mario Balotelli ST: Was a late sub for Milito who went off with a calf cramp. Wasn’t on the pitch long enough to get involved, but could’ve scored if Sneijder was able to control a through ball. Rating-INC
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ReplyDeleteLucio had a better game than you let on. He started poorly but I would be hard pressed to find a better performer in the second half.
ReplyDeleteI don't see how Eto'o's cross was bad? Seemed more like a pass into the box that was only obtainable by Inter.
Pandev a 5 and Zanetti a 6? That seems very confusing because Zanetti had what I thought was a stellar performance and Pandev was never in the game.
The rest, for the most part, seemed spot on.