Barcelona vs Inter: Midfielder admits his team must improve on set-pieces ahead of return leg
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong understands that his team have a weakness they must address if they are to make it past Inter Milan to the final of the Champions League.
The Catalans drew 3-3 with the Nerazzurri at the Estadi Olimpico in Spain, where they showed a glaring vulnerability to set-pieces, conceding two goals from corners. Heading into the second leg at the San Siro next week, it’s an obvious weak spot for Barcelona to address.
“Yes, we have to do better at corners,” said De Jong, speaking to UEFA. “We know Inter have a lot of height, a lot more than us and they’re very strong in the air. So we already knew that, but they did well and clearly we have to improve in that area.”
The Catalans went behind early with Inter forward Marcus Thuram scoring within 30 seconds, before Denzel Dumfries doubled the lead in the 21st minute with a bicycle kick from a corner.
Barcelona responded through Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, levelling the score before halftime. However, Dumfries struck again in the second half, heading in from a corner to restore Inter’s advantage. A deflected shot from Raphinha ensured the match ended in a draw.
“It was a match where a lot happened, a lot of goals,” said De Jong. “I think for neutral fans it was a really fun game to watch.
“In the end we come away with a draw and now we have to go and win in Italy.”
