Three things we learned from Inter 1-1 Barcelona

Barcelona through but still have work to do

Tuesday’s point at the San Siro ensured Barcelona were the first team to qualify for the knockout stages, but they still have a bit of work to do to finish as winners of Group B.

They’re hot favourites to seal top spot in their final two remaining games. They face a trip to winless PSV next and finish off at home to Totttenham.

Having already qualified the pressure will be off Barcelona, but they’ll need to maintain their focus to scoop top spot, which usually ensures a more favourable draw for the last 16.

Malcom finally makes his mark

Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images

It’s taken a while but Malcom finally made his mark at Barcelona with the opening goal at the San Siro.

His celebration was pretty telling too, the Brazilian was in tears after coming up with the goods following a really tough start to life at Barcelona.

Tuesday’s match was only Malcom’s fourth appearance for Barcelona. His only start came last week in the Copa del Rey where he struggled to make much of an impression.

His lack of game time has prompted plenty of speculation over his future, but hopefully that will calm down now. His post-match comments were clear: “My dream at Barca is starting, my dream is to make history and do great things.”

He’s now off the mark with a goal which should help restore confidence. Let’s hope he can really kick on now and show why Barcelona wanted him to the Camp Nou.

Luis Suarez’s away drought continues

Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images

Barcelona can be pretty pleased with their display against San Siro. They played well and with a bit more ruthlessness in front of goal would have taken all three points.

Luis Suarez came into the game in great form, but once again could not find the back of the net away from home in the Champions League.

It wasn’t for a lack of trying on the Uruguayan’s part. He had his chances, worked hard and even saw an effort disallowed, but it simply wasn’t his night.

He wasn’t the only one though. According to Opta, Barcelona managed 26 shots on goal throughout the match - that’s their highest away from home in the Champions League since 2003/04.

Barcelona’s next match offers Suarez hope he can score his first away goal in the Champions League since 2015. They face a trip to PSV, who have already conceded 10 goals in Group, and who were beaten 4-0 at the Camp Nou.