Inter Milan stopped the Barcelona Champions League train on Tuesday in Milan with a come-from-behind 3–1 victory.
“They gave everything,” said Inter coach Jose Mourinho about his team’s effort.
“We studied well, we prepared for the game well. We won and we deserve it.”
Mourinho, who rose to prominence after winning the Champions League with FC Porto in 2004, has his team in good shape for the return leg on April 28 in Barcelona.
Barcelona took the lead in the 19th minute when Pedro converted a cut back pass from Maxwell.
But 10 minutes later, Dutch international Wesley Sneijder was left alone in the box to beat Victor Valdes.
About three minutes into the second half, Brazilian fullback Maicon converted a Diego Milito pass and Inter was in front 2–1.
But 2–1 is not a comfortable lead in the two-leg knockout format. So, just after the hour mark, Milito headed in a third. Barcelona appealed for an offside but was denied.
Whether or not the match would proceed was under some doubt initially due to the volcanic ash that has grounded numerous flights in Europe. Barcelona had to endure a 14-hour bus ride to play the game.
Barcelona will need to do a lot better in the return match. Messi was frustrated and Barca’s defense was exposed for three goals.
However, Mourinho knows that he’s not in the final yet. “Experience tells us we still have a long way to go.”
“They gave everything,” said Inter coach Jose Mourinho about his team’s effort.
“We studied well, we prepared for the game well. We won and we deserve it.”
Mourinho, who rose to prominence after winning the Champions League with FC Porto in 2004, has his team in good shape for the return leg on April 28 in Barcelona.
Barcelona took the lead in the 19th minute when Pedro converted a cut back pass from Maxwell.
But 10 minutes later, Dutch international Wesley Sneijder was left alone in the box to beat Victor Valdes.
About three minutes into the second half, Brazilian fullback Maicon converted a Diego Milito pass and Inter was in front 2–1.
But 2–1 is not a comfortable lead in the two-leg knockout format. So, just after the hour mark, Milito headed in a third. Barcelona appealed for an offside but was denied.
Whether or not the match would proceed was under some doubt initially due to the volcanic ash that has grounded numerous flights in Europe. Barcelona had to endure a 14-hour bus ride to play the game.
Barcelona will need to do a lot better in the return match. Messi was frustrated and Barca’s defense was exposed for three goals.
However, Mourinho knows that he’s not in the final yet. “Experience tells us we still have a long way to go.”
