Italian media praise Nicolo Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan today for their midfield display in Barcelona 3-3 Inter Milan Champions League semifinal leg 1 clash yesterday.

Today’s print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, hail the duo as two of Inter’s outstanding performers in the 3-3 Champions League thriller.

Inter Milan put in a tremendous effort against Barcelona in the Champions League yesterday.

The Nerazzurri were not able to hold onto the lead. They allowed Barcelona to come back into the match twice, settling for a 3-3 draw.

However, Inter defended with grit, physicality, and organization throughout the ninety minutes. And hit the spaces behind the Barcelona high line, while also taking advantage of set pieces.

Nicolo Barella “The Heart & Soul” Of Inter Vs Barcelona

Inter Milan Nicolo Barella
BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 30: Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona is challenged by Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Midfielder Nicolo Barella had a huge task for Inter in the midfield battle with Barcelona.

The Italian international tracked back and closed off the spaces as the Blaugranas penned Inter back into their own half.

The Gazzetta particularly laud Barella for growing into the match.

Rather than tiring as the contest went on, Barella looked fresher and fresher in the second half. He played his part to hold onto possession when Inter were able to win it back.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan Lauded For Hard-Running Display

Inter Milan Henrikh Mkhitaryan
BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 30: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale scores a goal past Wojciech Szczesny of FC Barcelona. Goal is disallowed due to an offside offence during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Henrikh Mkhitaryan was just as important in the midfield battle as Barella.

The Armenian was absolutely tireless, covering just about every blade of grass on the left side of the pitch.

There was one bad moment for Mkhtaryan. Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal bypassed Mkhitaryan. That is just before the 17-year-old scored Barcelona’s opener.

However, Yamal was outstanding on the night and gave Mkhitaryan little hope.

Then, on the contrary, Mkhitaryan helped to stop Yamal several times.

The former Arsenal and Manchester United midfielder was constantly helping out Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Dimarco to mark Barcelona’s star man.

Then, Mkhitaryan also used his energy to get forward when Inter counterattacked the spaces behind Barcelona’s defense.

The 36-year-old was only narrowly offside when he thought he’d given Inter the advantage in the second half.