(Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Lineups:

Barcelona came out in their trusted 4-3-3 formation wearing their dazzling new orange/pink away kit. Victor Valdes was in goal, with captain Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique in the centre of defense. Eric Abidal started at left back, with Dani Alves at right back.

Xavi, Yaya Toure and Seydou Keita made up the three man midfield, with Toure in a more withdrawn position in the middle, Keita on the left and Xavi on the right.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic led the forward line on his return to the San Siro, with Lionel Messi to his right and Thierry Henry to his left.

Inter Milan, in their home blue and black stripped shirts featured a 4-4-2 diamond formation with Julio Cesar in goal. Their back line consisted of Cristian Chivu at left back, Walter Samuel and Lucio in the centre, and Maicon at right back.

The captain Javier Zanetti played at right midfield, with Sulley Muntari at left midfield. Thiago Motta acted as the defensive midfielder and Wesley Sneijder the attacking point of the diamond.

Former Barcelona star Samuel Eto’o led the Inter attack, partnered with fellow new-signing Diego Milito.

First Half:

Barcelona started brightly as Messi rounded Lucio to squeeze a shot off that was well saved by Cesar.

The match slowed a bit after that, as each side probed for an opening, and both teams were a bit sloppy in possession.

Inter’s Argentinean captain Zanetti soon took over, flying up and down the pitch making tackles and pressuring Barcelona’s defense. He was excellent in possession, showing crisp passing that set up chances for his teammates.

Much of the action went through Zanetti and Maicon on the right, but the Brazilian full back was not at his marauding best, and wasted a few good opportunities.

Barcelona’s captain Puyol seemed a bit slow, and both he and Pique struggled to cope with Diego Milito. Inter’s striker made several dummy moves and got some shots off, but they were saved by Valdes.

Barcelona’s defense seemed to be taking too much time with the ball, and Zanetti almost caught up to Valdes before he could clear in the 30^th minute.

Towards the end of the half Barcelona enjoyed some good sustained possession but they could not seem to break into the final third, and instead fired shots in from distance.

Alves was a consistent threat in the Inter half, putting in a “winger-esque” display. He was the furthest Barcelona player forward at times, and while his crossing was dangerous, his teammates were unable to latch on to the other end.

Xavi played well and controlled much of the action in the middle of the park, but Ibrahimovic still seemed a step off the pace, and often held the ball too long.

Inter’s defenders did a great job of keeping everything in front of them, and put on a disciplined show.

Milito was a threat when provided service, but Barcelona contained Eto’o well, and did not allow him to trouble their goal.

The half ended much as it started with Messi firing a shot that Cesar tipped over the bar.

The match remained scoreless at the break.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?