Barcelona returned from Giuseppe Meazza with a 1-0 defeat to Inter, a result that left the visitors empty-handed after a night that unfolded in Milan during the Champions League group stage. The Blaugrana started the match with determination, took an early lead and then saw a controversial moment that could have altered the scoreboard. A goal attributed to Pedri was spared on the official scoreline, and there were contentious decisions involving Dumfries that many observers felt did not reflect the on-field reality. The disappointment was tangible as Barcelona pressed for a result but failed to convert chances, allowing Inter to seize control as the game progressed.
Coach Xavi Hernández expressed frustration with the officiating, calling the performance unjust and urging referees to provide explanations after the fact. He acknowledged that the team began slowly and that the last half-hour showed improvement, yet he pointed out a lack of dynamism that persisted throughout the evening. The Spaniard emphasized that chances were not taken and that the team deserved more than what was delivered, even as he noted the squad’s competitive spirit in the closing stages. He did not mince words about the referee, insisting that a clear explanation was needed and that a better performance was required to earn a result in Europe.
Speaking with candor, Xavi insisted that the match should not be reduced to a single decision. He reminded listeners that football is played over 90 minutes and that the competition demands a higher standard from the start. The coach underscored that the side must cultivate rhythm and movement, especially after halftime, and he challenged his players to take more initiative from distance and in the final third. The sense of missed possibilities lingered, with the coach lamenting a lack of late incisive moments that could have changed the outcome, while conceding that the night belonged to Inter in the sense that the Italian side executed their plan more effectively on the day. With three group-stage matches still to play, two of them designated as finals, Barcelona faced a stern path ahead, with Inter coming to Camp Nou in the next fixture and Bayern scheduled for later in the calendar—fixtures that would test their resolve and character in Europe.
In assessing the mood around the squad, Xavi acknowledged that back-to-back losses in the Champions League do not define their season, but he stressed the need for a swift reinvention. He pointed to a first phase where the required level in Europe was not consistently met and urged a rapid improvement in structure and tempo. The overarching message was clear: the team cannot afford to regress and must respond decisively in upcoming matches. The sense of urgency was palpable as Barcelona prepared to confront another European heavyweight, aiming to restore confidence, sharpen execution, and reclaim the form that has historically defined the club on the continental stage. In this context, the coach’s call for accountability and renewed focus resonated throughout the squad, signaling that the journey in the current campaign is far from over and that the next steps would define their ambitions in the competition.