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Gerard Pique of Barcelona roars - Source: Reuters -
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Holders Barcelona comfortably saw off Inter Milan 2-0 with early goals from Gerard Pique and Pedro to go top of Champions League Group F on Wednesday.
Pep Guardiola's side started the day under pressure lying third
in the table and appeared to be weakened when Lionel Messi and
Zlatan Ibrahimovic were not in the team.
Any worries were quickly dispelled though, Pique volleying home
from a 10th-minute corner and Pedro doubling the advantage after a
flowing attacking move 16 minutes later.
After all the media speculation over the fitness of Ibrahimovic and
Messi, who have been working to shake off thigh injuries, Barca
coach Guardiola left them on the bench.
Instead he opted to start with Thierry Henry leading the line,
supported by Andres Iniesta and Pedro on the flanks.
The game set off at a blistering pace with the hosts dominant and
Pique scored at the back post after Henry had flicked on a
corner.
Inter were on the back foot and Barca extended the lead after a
typically slick interchange of passes.
Daniel Alves was played in off the right flank and crossed to the
back post where Pedro's weak volley beat Inter goalkeeper Julio
Cesar.
The Italians were never allowed to settle on the ball in the first
half, frequently misplacing their passes and barely
threatening.
Jose Mourinho's side showed more intent after the break but it was
Julio Cesar who was called into action again, saving one-handed
from Xavi's angled header.
Inter striker Samuel Eto'o, who left Barca as part of the swap deal
that took Ibrahimovic in the opposite direction, was given a warm
reception by the home fans but had few chances to mark his return
with a goal.
Barca did not have to stretch themselves to keep control and
received a welcome confidence boost ahead of the visit of La Liga
leaders Real Madrid on Sunday.
Inter are second in Group F with six points, two behind Barca and
level with third-placed Russians Rubin Kazan who the Italians
entertain in their last game next month.
Champions League collated results click here
