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No. Actually, it’s a bit premature since it’s only the first leg of the semi-final, but many will tell you that Barcelona and Inter Milan are the two big teams they want to see. So for many it is the true final.
Don´t expect great football match today. With Jose Felix Mourinho, you can expect a gritty, closed defensive match full of tactics to neutralize the opponent, but this isn’t just any opponent - this is Messi & Co. Many are betting that Mourinho will direct the Stadium operations staff to relocate one of FC Barcelona buses and park it behind Julio Cesar.
The current Italian and Spanish champions also faced each other in the group stage of this Champions League campaign. Inter Milan were incapable of scoring in both matches. A nil-nil draw in Milan and a 2-0 defeat in Barcelona left Mourinho with only praise for Guardiola and the Catalan giants. In those two matches, Barcelona’s superiority was obvious, as they amassed a possession of over 60% over both games.
You may think that these statistics would work in favor of Barcelona in boosting their confidence. And so will Mourinho, who will hope to implant a false sense of confidence in their opponents. A few compliments, comments and outlandish statements from the special one are sure to precede and follow this first leg. Watch this space.
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The last 4 matches between these two sides have not favored Inter Milan who has yet to score a single goal. Inter Milan have drawn twice and lost twice in the Champions League this decade. So maybe it’s time for a positive change for the milanese. Mourinho will certainly inject this belief in their squad, and remind them of recent results and their dominance over Chelsea.
Both teams are in great form. Inter Milan have been playing with determination and purpose, which has seen them undefeated in their last 6 games in 3 competitions, having won 5 and drawn 1 and with a goal tally of 10-2 in their favor. FC Barcelona has also been in excellent form led by their mercurial striker: the amazing Leo Messi. Their goal tally for their last 6 matches is 15-4 in their favor with 4 wins and 2 draws. But their last game this past weekend saw them draw away to Espanyol in the Catalan derby. Dropping 2 massively important points in their battle for La Liga and they were lucky to escape with only a 0-0 draw.
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But Guardiola and La Porta put a positive spin on this result, reminding people that a nil-nil draw was not so bad considering they played without the services of Dani Alves, who received two yellows and was sent off around half time. They remain on top of the league with a one-point advantage over Real Madrid. Whereas Mourinho's men sit one point behind Roma in second having seen a commanding 10-point Serie A lead vanish over the last few months.
Regardless of their form, this semi-final will bring us two fascinating matches. On one side we have FC Barcelona who are arguably the best football team on the planet and coached by the brightest, coolest manager on the planet. On the field they are conducted by one of the best creative midfielders in the game and in attack they are completed by the best footballer on the planet.
On the other side, we have Inter Milan who is a product of Jose Mourinho, a fascinating individual who is a larger than life figure. The Special One brings much controversy, ego, media frenzy and success to his clubs and leagues. FC Porto, Chelsea, Premier League and Inter Milan can attest to that. Whether you admire him, loathe him or worship him, one thing is undeniable; Mourinho brings something special to the game.
Inter Milan will need a positive result today to survive this Champions League semi-final: Such a positive result may be a 1-0 win at the San Siro. Or even a 0-0 might be a positive result to take back to Camp Nou. Expect Mourinho to Park the Bus and possibly play a counter-attacking football. FC Barcelona will play their game. Control. Attack. Recover. Repeat.
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