Barcelona capitalise on Real Madrid’s loss as spoils shared in Milan derby

by


While many had their eyes glued to Arsenal’s 5-1 thrashing of Manchester City on Sunday, there were a few keeping an eye on Europe’s other big games.

Following some big results that saw Real Madrid slip up in LaLiga and Bayern Munich continue their Bundesliga charge on Saturday, it was up to some other giants to try and capitalise on the results.

Barcelona hosted Deportivo looking to capitalise on their rivals’ dropped points to Espanyol.

While the two Milan clubs met at San Siro for the latest instalment of their derby – featuring a Kyle Walker debut.

Read on to see how both games unfolded.

Barcelona 1-0 Deportivo

Barcelona secured a 1-0 victory over Deportivo at Montjuic, closing the gap on La Liga leaders Real Madrid to four points.

Despite a lacklustre display, the Blaugrana managed to grind out the win, thanks to Robert Lewandowski’s strike midway through the second half.

The first half was a tepid affair, with Barcelona struggling to find their rhythm.

Their only notable attempt came from Pedri, whose tame shot was easily dealt with by Owono.

Deportivo meanwhile, defended well but failed to threaten on the break, finishing the half without registering a single shot on target.

The breakthrough finally came in the 61st minute. Lamine Yamal’s cross deflected off Tenaglia, falling perfectly for Lewandowski, who volleyed home from close range.

Barcelona had earlier chances to break the deadlock. In the 57th minute, Balde’s deflected pass found Yamal, who set up Lewandowski for a header that drifted just wide, though the offside flag was raised. Shortly after, Yamal tested Owono with a powerful shot, but the Alaves keeper made a superb save to keep his side in the game.

AC Milan 1-1 Inter Milan

Inter and AC Milan played out a thrilling 1-1 draw at San Siro in the latest edition of the Derby della Madonnina.

Despite dominating large portions of the match, Inter had to claw back from a goal down to secure a share of the spoils.

Inter started the game brightly, with goals from Federico Dimarco and Lautaro Martinez both ruled out for offside in the first half.

The Nerazzurri created numerous chances but were let down by wasteful finishing and the woodwork, which denied them three times.

Against the run of play, Milan took the lead just before half-time. Rafael Leao’s powerful drive was parried by Yann Sommer, but Tijjani Reijnders was quickest to react, firing the rebound into the roof of the net to put the Rossoneri ahead.

Inter responded with intensity after the break, but were repeatedly frustrated by the post and Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Efforts from Yann Bisseck, Marcus Thuram, and Denzel Dumfries all struck the woodwork, while Maignan made several crucial saves.

As the clock ticked down, Inter’s pressure finally paid off. In the 93rd minute, Bisseck delivered a cross from the right, which Nicola Zalewski expertly cushioned with his chest for Stefan de Vrij to smash home from close range, salvaging a deserved point for Inter.




Leave a Comment