Inter clinch memorable victory over European champions

Inter Milan secured a vital 3-1 victory over Barcelona in their first leg semi-final Champions League clash. Barcelona had to travel by coach to the game due to the volcanic ash currently occupying European air space. However it was the Spanish champions who struck first in the 19th minute.

Brazilian full-back Maxwell was allowed far too much room down the flank and pulled the ball across the box which evaded Ibrahimovic but found Pedro who slotted home with the coolest of finishes. Inter were level on the half hour mark. Samuel Eto’o’s mishit cross found Diego Milito in the area the Argentinian then found midfielder Wesley Sneijder unmarked and the Dutchman had the composure to fire low past Victor Valdes in the Barca goal.

Inter were ahead just after half-time. Brazilian full-back Maicon made a typically powerfully forward run, picked up the ball from Milito and poked past Valdes . Barca captain Carlos Puyol then picked up a yellow card which means he will miss the second leg next week.

Inter extended their lead just beyond the hour mark. Eto’0 crossed from the right and found Sneijder completely unmarked, the midfielders headed was awful but it fell for Milito who bundled the ball home from close range. Barca had two seemingly decent claims for penalties turned down and Inter defender Walter Samuel cleared a Gerard Pique effort off the line. Inter held on for what could be a crucial lead going into the second leg next Wednesday at the Nou Camp.