Inter claim massive 3-1 win over Barca in Champions League opening leg

Inter Milan and Jose Mourinho continue their surprising march through the 2010 Champions League knockouts as they knocked off Barcelona and Lionel Messi 3-1 in the opening leg of the semifinal matchup.  When Pedro scored for Barcelona in the 19th minute it looked like it would be a Barca night as their flowing style was in force.

Inter was not planning on going quietly though as the Italian crowd pushed them forward.  In the 30th the match was tied as Wesley Sneijder out home a pass from Milito who had only minutes earlier missed his own golden opportunity at goal.

The match went to halftime 1-1 and all to be settled in the final 45 minutes.  Immediately after the break it was Inter that grabbed the initiative.  Again it was Milito working as the provider as his cross was knocked home by Maicon giving Inter Milan the 2-1 lead.

In the 61st Milan would send shockwaves as they grabbed the 3-1 lead.  An offtarget header from Sneijder ended up on the head of Milito who fired home the third.  Barcelona were not done though as they piled on the pressure looking for another precious away goal.

Julio Cesar was a monster in goal for Inter as he turned back several flowing Barcelona attacks.  The crowd roared at the final whistle as Inter claim a momumental result.  The work is not done though as the trip to Spain still awaits.  Barcelona knows it will take a minimum 2-0 win back at home to go to the Champions League final.