Barcelona took on Inter Milan without Lionel Messi tonight as the Argentinian continues to recover from an arm injury he picked up last week. However, in his absence Luis Suárez turned magical creator to assist a splendid goal as they claimed a 2-0 victory.
Messi's absence opened the door for Rafinha, who has seen little game-time as of late. Yet the Brazilian was at hand to score Barcelona's first goal.
No Messi? No problem!
Barcelona take lead vs Inter Milan with a well worked goal finished by Rafinha.#VMSport #UCL pic.twitter.com/3i1kYNI3Aq— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 24, 2018
The Camp Nou roared the home side on in search of a second, but there were repeatedly denied by a well-drilled and dogged Inter Milan. Suarez did look set to add a second when his freekick flew under the wall and towards a flatfooted Samir Handanović, only to be denied by a spectacular Brozovic intervention.
SPECTACULAR way from Brozovic to defend a free-kick!
Look how he slides behind the wall understanding Suárez intention pic.twitter.com/DIJ03KM4hE— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) October 24, 2018
Brozovic such intelligent defending. He knew Suárez was probably gonna try to put it under the wall so... pic.twitter.com/BEzaaTQVHH
— safia (@skinniar) October 24, 2018
In the end, Jordi Alba was at hand to secure the victory as the full-back finally got his reward for persistently darting forward. Leo Messi cut a delighted figure in the stands.
Barcelona at their best! ?
Jordi Alba doubles the lead as Messi watches on! #VMSport #UCL pic.twitter.com/yr2UJEp5bB— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 24, 2018
Both sides will have been buoyed by Tottenham's 2-2 draw against PSV earlier in the day which means the Premier League club hold just one point after three games in Group B.
