On April 28, 2010, Camp Nou witnessed a remarkable defensive display by Inter Milan against Barcelona in the second leg of the Champions League semifinals. The Italian side had already secured a 3-1 win in the first leg at the Giuseppe Meazza, with Maicon and Diego Milito scoring crucial goals. Despite being considered underdogs in the second leg, Inter’s coach José Mourinho had a plan to stifle Barcelona’s attack.
The Tactical Masterclass
Inter lined up in a 5-3-2 formation, with Júlio César in goal and a back five comprising Zanetti, Maicon, Lúcio, Samuel, and Chivu. The team’s defensive setup was designed to neutralize Barcelona’s attacking threat, which included the likes of Messi, Xavi, and Ibrahimovic. The plan worked to perfection, as Inter’s defense held firm despite Barcelona’s relentless pressure.
The turning point came when Thiago Motta was sent off in the 28th minute for a double yellow card. Inter’s defensive strategy became even more pronounced, with Samuel Eto’o dropping deep to become an extra defender. This tactical adjustment paid off, as Barcelona struggled to break down Inter’s resolute defense.
A Defensive Wall
Barcelona’s usual tiki-taka style was disrupted by Inter’s defensive solidity. The Catalan side dominated possession but failed to create clear-cut chances. Messi, in particular, was less effective than usual, as he struggled to make an impact in the central areas. Inter’s defense, marshaled by Lúcio and Samuel, held firm and prevented Barcelona from scoring.
The match ended 1-0 in favor of Barcelona, with Gerard Piqué scoring the only goal. However, Inter’s defensive display had already done enough to secure their place in the Champions League final. Mourinho’s tactics had paid off, and his team would go on to win the title by defeating Bayern Munich 2-0 in the final.
Reactions
- Mourinho praised his team’s defensive effort, saying, “My team is a team of heroes, and the players left their blood on the field tonight.”
- Pep Guardiola acknowledged Inter’s defensive solidity, stating, “Sometimes, attacking seems much more difficult than defending. We tried, but they defended well.”
The media reaction was mixed, with some outlets praising Inter’s defensive tactics and others criticizing their lack of flair. The Times described Mourinho’s tactics as “dirty tricks,” while the Gazzetta dello Sport hailed him as a master tactician. Ultimately, Inter’s defensive display on that night will be remembered as one of the greatest in Champions League history.