Barcelona coach Xavi gave a rather back-handed compliment to the Nerazzurri in his press conference. ‘If you can’t beat Inter at home, you don’t deserve to progress in the Champions League.’
While the Blaugrana were furious after the 1-0 defeat at San Siro, they could’ve had few complaints about the 3-3 draw on their own turf.
In fact, the Nerazzurri were twice leading after going behind to the Ousmane Dembele opener, twice pegged back by Robert Lewandowski.
It was Inter who had the best chances to win it in stoppages with saves on Kristjan Asllani and Robin Gosens.
“There are two ways to read the game,” said Xavi in his press conference.
“The first half was excellent, we attacked well and made Inter suffer, working well in midfield with Pedri and Gavi. In the second half, we made too many mistakes, starting from the one of their first goal that made our heads drop.
“There was an error on the second goal too and that cannot happen in this type of match. Mistakes are expensive in the Champions League.
“We tried to fight back with character, but if you can’t beat Inter at home, you don’t deserve to progress in the Champions League.”
All Inter need now is a win against Viktoria Plzen to guarantee qualification for the Round of 16, whereas Barcelona are heading for the Europa League for the second year in a row.
“We know that it is no longer in our hands, we don’t deserve to carry on in the Champions League. There isn’t much hope left, you pay a heavy price for these errors. It was an excellent first half and we made two fatal errors
“I am the coach and must take responsibility when my players make mistakes. We should’ve been more concentrated, but came out for the second half with the wrong attitude.”
Barcelona had been on fine form domestically and are top of LaLiga, whereas Inter struggled in Serie A all season.
“It is a tough blow for us, the right word would be cruel,” continued Xavi.
“We’ve got to focus on the Liga, where we want to remain top. It’s a long season, we didn’t give our best due to our own errors and this competition has been cruel to us. We must carry on.”
Aside from Barcelona’s mistakes tonight, Xavi was asked for his opinion on Inter.
“They are very strong, physically and defensively. They are coached well, move in attack with players who can hold up the ball. They are above all physically tough to deal with and that is something we struggle with.
“Without our mistakes, it would’ve been wonderful to give these fans a victory.”