UEFA Champions League 2022/23: Why Barcelona’s intensity wasn’t enough against Inter’s experience – tactical analysis

A dramatic game at Camp Nou against Inter, which ended in a 3-3 draw, gave Barcelona some last hope that they can remain in the UEFA Champions League competition. After losing 0-1 in their last meeting, Xavi’s team had a lot to prove if they wanted to have a chance to play European football either in CL or the Europa League.

The Spanish side demonstrated their desire to win by putting on a dynamic display and scoring three goals. However, Inter took advantage of their defensive lapses and didn’t give up until the end despite the pressure.

Robert Lewandowski was the key figure for Barcelona, equalising twice and awarding them with an important point.  Hakan Çalhanoğlu, on the other side, was the player that had the most significant impact for the Nerazzurri both in and out of possession and helped them to cope with Barca’s constant pressure.

Simone Inzaghi’s team need a convincing win against Viktoria Plzeň if they want to keep their chances of reaching the knockout stage in tact, with Barcelona having the more difficult task to win points against Bayern Munich in their next game.

This tactical analysis examines both teams’ performance and how the draw unfolded tactically.

Lineups and formations

Barcelona started the game in their usual 4-3-3 under Xavi. The team are currently struggling with some injuries, which gave other the chance to help their team. The goal was covered by Marc-André ter Stegen. The four-man defensive line in front of him consisted of Marcos Alonso, Gerard Piqué, Eric García and Sergi Roberto, although they practically played with a back-three in possession, with Sergi Roberto moving into a more advanced position.

They tried to dominate the game and their possession resulted in the backline being highly positioned throughout the game and the team controlling the game in the opposition half.