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| Inter Milan |
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Barcelona vs Inter Milan Match Preview
The Difficult Situation
After getting only 5 points in 4 games, Barcelona have few options in front of them, as a loss would significantly reduce their chances of qualifying into the next stage of the Champions League. Of course, their minds will certainly be set on a victory – more or less comfortable – but in reality, they could settle for at least a draw, if ever their best does not seem to be enough to trample on the Nerazzurri.
On the other hand, Inter will also concentrate on the task which is ahead of them. Having been able to profit from Barcelona’s slow progress in Group F to take the first position in the standings, the Milan club will probably look to get what would only be their second win in the competition.
Anyway, a win for Barcelona could place them at the top of their table, depending on the score line of the encounter between Rubin Kazan and Dynamo Kiev; whereas Inter getting the victory at the Camp Nou would mean that their lead at the top would be extended to at least a point.
Defending and Winning at the Camp Nou
Despite the Catalans playing at home, the challenge coming their way can still be considered as a strong one, following the delicacy of the current situation. Like many believe, one mistake might be deadly…
For sure, Barcelona wouldn’t want to get an early exit after being able to take possession of the Champions League trophy last season, and consequently, they would want to produce something special which could largely widen their chances of entering the last 16.
Just as we can see when looking at Barcelona’s style of play this season, the Catalans have been tending to miss glorious chances. In addition to this fact, their defense has also been allowing uncreative attacks to result in cheap goals against them.
Perhaps, coach Pep Guardiola is not very happy about is team’s numerous mistakes this season, but then, he has no choice but to deal and manage with his team’s good sides, as well as its bad sides.
The first leg of the game between FC Barcelona and Inter Milan which took place at the San Siro was pretty much disappointing, as no side was able to break the deadlock. In fact, on several occasions, fans thought that the Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was going to put his side in front; however, it was never the case.
Possibly, one might think that this is forgivable, as the Blaugrana were playing away from home, yet, recently, it seems Barcelona have not been able to take complete control of their games even in their own home.
Speaking of their previous matches in the Champions League, Barcelona were humbled with a shocking 2-1 score line by Rubin Kazan at the Camp Nou, and unquestionably, it was a result no one had expected.
Without doubt, this is the kind of surprise Inter Milan would really love to give to their supporters; but unfortunately for them, they might find it very hard even to contain their hosts on Wednesday night, as coach Guardiola wouldn’t hesitate to transform his side in an uncontrollable army.
Another negative game for Inter Milan?
Truthfully, Inter Milan would do right to go out and play against the Catalans with a strong and relentless spirit, but in fact, no matter how hard they try to prevent Barcelona’s men from establishing themselves in the game, the match could still be a tough one for them.
The Nerazzurri were accused of being too negative in their first leg match against the Champions League title holders, and it was true. Nevertheless, football is not all about the public’s opinions; the manager Jose Mourinho might therefore go for the most favorable formation and style of play for his side – instead of trying to please his fans.
By taking a close look to the complicated issues in the Group F, it is visible that another loss for Barcelona would give Inter and Rubin Kazan good reasons to think that the two places reserved for the two leaders of their group would be theirs.
In short, here is how things have turned out to be: “A win for Barcelona would keep Barca fans’ hopes alive, but a loss for Barcelona would almost send them out of the Champions League”.
Now, will Inter Milan be able to decide the future of the Catalans in the competition? Here’s a difficult question to answer, as everything will depend on the Italians’ desire to impose themselves, as well as the desire of Barcelona’s players to stand firm in hard times.
For sure, every football lover is aware that the Blaugrana are capable of doing almost anything, no matter if it is dramatic, easy, important, or shocking. Pep Guardiola’s boys proved it last season when they unbelievably used the controversial decisions of referee Ovrebo to steal Chelsea’s place in the final of the Champions League at the around the 94 minute.
Indeed, this was one of the biggest surprises in football’s entire history, and perchance, this is something all Barcelona fans would want to see when their men face the Nerazzurri in one of the world’s hugest football stadiums.
Well, a little more determination from Inter could however prevent such a thing from happening; but in this case, Inter Milan containing Barcelona for another 90 minutes on Wednesday would then greatly decrease the trust many fans have in the Blaugrana.
In the end…
Well, this is an unpredictable game, and no one has any idea how its outcome will be. A draw, controversial decisions from the referee? No one knows…
More likely, considering the belief of Barcelona, and the determination of Inter, the match should be a ping-pong one. Otherwise, it should be visibly controlled by one side only.
Standings in Group F
Following 3 draws and a single wing, Inter Milan lie at the top with 6 points in 4 games played. Barcelona lie second in the table with 5 points after 4 games played including a win, 2 draws, and 1 loss.
Rubin Kazan are third with also 5 points, but their negative goal difference keeps them below the Catalans. As for Dynamo Kiev, they find themselves at the bottom with 4 points subsequent to 2 losses, a single draw, and a single win.
