Player Ratings: Inter 0-0 Barcelona

Thursday, September 17, 2009

INTER (4-3-1-2)

Julio Cesar: 6.5 - Despite Barca's dominance for long stretches of the game, did not have too many saves to make. A couple of smart stops from Messi.

Maicon: 6 - Was pushed back by Henry, and couldn't make too many of his trademark bursts down the right flank.

Samuel: 8 - Lived up to his nickname as 'The Wall' with a no-nonsense performance at the back. How does Samuel not get into the Argentina 'defence'?

Lucio: 6.5 - Struggled in a few one-on-ones and was caught out for Ibrahimovic's early chance, but largely did well.

Chivu: 9 - Absolutely outstanding tonight. Made three goal-saving tackles - two on Messi and one on Henry - forced Messi inside, and did the best defensive job that anyone has ever done on Dani Alves. Man-of-the-match.

Zanetti: 6.5 - Ran his heart out, but almost acted as a fifth defender at times as Barcelona controlled the play.

Muntari: 4.5 - Comfortably the worst player on the pitch. Muntari lost the ball time after time in the first half, repeatedly putting his side into trouble.

Thiago Motta: 5.5 - Little impact - Inter need more from the Brazilian if they are to move onto the next level in Europe this term.

Sneijder: 6 - Had a few smart moments, including one shot that fizzed just wide, but in truth just couldn't get hold of the ball.

Eto'o: 5 - Very disappointing. Received next to no service, but did little himself to try and make things happen.

Milito: 7 - A very commendable performance from 'El Principe' who, despite being overwhelmingly outnumbered, was always a handful for the Barcelona defence.

Substitutes

Stankovic: 6.5 - Did well after coming on and fired just over.

Santon: 6.5 - Very energetic cameo.

Balotelli: N/A


BARCELONA (4-3-3)

Valdes: 6 - Barely touched the ball tonight.

Dani Alves: 6 - Had little to do defensively, but did not make any headway going forward against the superb Chivu.

Pique: 6.5 - A little flat-footed against Milito on a couple of occasions, but otherwise okay.

Puyol: 7.5 - Very spirited display, Puyol led by example and comfortably won his duel against Eto'o.

Abidal: 6.5 - One shaky moment in the first half when he gave the ball away, this aside Abidal was comfortable as Maicon rarely troubled him.

Toure: 7.5 - Dominant in the defensive midfield role, the major reason Sneijder couldn't get into the game was because of Toure.

Xavi: 8.5 - Quite simply the best centre midfielder in the world. Three genius passes that could have led to Ibrahimovic goals. Dictated the game.

Keita: 6 - The Malian was guilty for the miss of the match as he somehow scuffed wide with the goal gaping. Powerful, but sometimes sloppy.

Messi: 7.5 - An absolute joy to watch. Cut inside a great deal, and caused Inter all kinds of headaches but had nothing to show for it at the end. One glaring miss he will want to forget.

Ibrahimovic: 6 - A few nice link-ups and flicks, but was not clinical enough. Could have had a hat-trick tonight, and will particularly regret his first half miss.

Henry: 7 - Always looked dangerous down the left, and skinned Lucio on one occasion. Created a glorious chance for Messi. A good showing.

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