On Wednesday night Barcelona were knocked out 3-2 on aggregate by Inter Milan in the second leg of the Champions league semi final at the Camp Nou. I was fortunate enough to be in the stadium, courtesy of my Catalan, Barcelona season ticket holding father-in-law. After the first leg in the San Siro, where Inter won 3-1, this fixture was always going to be very difficult.

Inter played extremely well in the first leg, and deserved their win. However, Inter rode their luck somewhat, and their two goal advantage certainly flattered the scoreline. They had luck with the Milito goal that appeared offside, and one very good Barcelona penalty appeal that was rejected by the Portuguese referee. On Balance, a 2-1 win probably would have been a fairer result. That said, Inter's first leg performance was the best I have seen by any team against Barcelona in the last two seasons.

Given the two goal advantage however, Inter knew that they could lose the game last night by one goal and still go through. This then, dictated the tactics that Mourinho used last night.

If the first game was a fascinating battle of the power and precision of Inter against the unique skill, possession and passing of Barcelona, the second was by contrast a frustratingly outrageous defensive display by Inter. Any resemblance during the 90 minutes to a proper game of football was purely coincidental.

However, the tactics worked - but only just. Bojan put the ball in the net right at the end, but it was controversially ruled out for a handball from Yaya Touré.

The Barcelona crowd was disappointingly quiet as the game unfolded. They were extremely frustrated at witnessing what was happening before their eyes - a team of the quality and stature of Inter Milan making absolutely no attempt to attack. What we were seeing was the most defensive display that I have ever seen by a team. Virtually all the players were being used as defenders, camping in their own third of the pitch.

When Gerard Piqué finally broke the deadlock ten minutes before the end, they crowd were lifted, and so were Barça. Suddenly Inter were rattled. Could Barça really pull this off? One more goal would send Barcelona to the final. The normally reserved Cules suddenly became vocal and hopeful.

When Bojan put the ball in the net the Camp Nou erupted. But this was ultimately to end in disappointment as the goal was ruled out giving victory to Inter a few moments later at the final whistle.

Inter will now play in the Champions League final, and will be strong favourites to lift the trophy against Bayern Munich on 22 May, in Madrid.

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