Inter Milan vs. Barcelona score: Xavi says no-call on Dumfries' handball was an 'injustice' after Barça loss

Inter Milan came away with a much-needed win, but not without some VAR controversy

The pressure was on Inter Milan due to poor recent results, and they delivered with a much-needed -- yet controversial -- 1-0 victory over Barcelona to put their Champions League campaign back on track on Tuesday. 

Coming off of back-to-back losses in Serie A and being home underdogs (+310) against the Spanish side in Matchday 3, it was a gorgeous, long-distance strike from Hakan Calhanoglu that made the difference at the San Siro. The Turkey international fired home right before the half, beating Marc-Andre ter Stegen low from 20 yards out. 

The victory puts Inter in sole possession of second place in Group C, three points behind leaders Bayern and three ahead of Barca. With three games to go, and the next one being at Barca, just a draw in Spain will put the Italian club on the verge of qualifying for the round of 16.

As for Barca, they ended the match in shock after what looked like a clear handball in the box from Denzel Dumfries. The play was reviewed by VAR but no penalty was given. It's back-to-back losses in UCL with no goals in the last 180 minutes for Xavi's men, making next Wednesday's rematch (3 p.m. ET | Paramount+) potentially a must-win affair. 

The failure to give a penalty kick on that clear Dumfries handball was the main talking point after the match and left Xavi fuming. 

"I am pissed off and outraged by the situation we have had to experience," Xavi said, according to Mundo Deportivo. "There is no other word than outrage. It is an injustice. I already said yesterday that the referees must explain themselves ... For me, the hand is very clear.

"It's difficult to sum up the game. I think in the second half, we were better. We played with more personality, more attack.

"The final shot was missing ... We know they are a difficult team to attack ... I think we deserved much more than this defeat."

Here is part of the interview:

The CBS Sports crew on Paramount+, including rules expert Christina Unkel, looked at the decision closely, as well as an earlier one in the game that saw a Barca goal ruled out:

"That decision was the reason why we brought VAR in," Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher said of the Dumfries' play. "I mean, it's a shocking decision to not give a penalty."

Unkel agreed with Carragher but said that perhaps the VAR did not have a definitive view of the ball clearly hitting Dumfries' hand and decided to let it go, but she was still surprised.

"I do believe this is a handling offense, and it should have been a penalty," Unkel said.

Now, Barca still would have had to convert the penalty to get a point, and while this result stings, they were far from their best. Despite having 72% possession, they only shot the ball seven times, two more than Inter. They were rarely threatening inside the box, and for some reason, they were timid in trying their luck from deep. 

Inter were willing to try from range, and they took home three points as a result.

[Oct 4, 2022 at 4:58 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

It's over!

Inter hold on for the 1-0 win!

[Oct 4, 2022 at 4:38 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

13 minutes to go

Inter are defending very compactly in the box. Barca are trying to walk the ball in, it seems, not even attempting to shoot from range.

[Oct 4, 2022 at 4:27 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

The goal is under review....

The ref is looking to see if there is a handball from Ansu Fati right before the goal.

[Oct 4, 2022 at 4:26 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Barca equalize! (Ruled out due to handball)

It's Pedri! He taps in an easy ball at the far post to make it 1-1! 

[Oct 4, 2022 at 4:22 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Nearly for Barca!

Onana makes a great stop on Dembele at the near post to keep Inter ahead! It was a fantastic save down to his right to stop a ball that was clearly going in!

[Oct 4, 2022 at 4:17 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Injury for Christensen

He's holding near his Achilles' tendon and is requesting assistance. It doesn't seem like he'll be able to continue. 

[Oct 4, 2022 at 4:09 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

The second half is underway!

Action has resumed at the San Siro with Barca on the front foot in search of an equalizer. 

[Oct 4, 2022 at 3:57 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Halftime stats

Barca and Inter both have five shots and two on frame, but the Spanish side have had 70% of the ball. Barca have also been accurate with their passes at a 92% clip, yet it is Inter who are ahead. A well taken strike that they really needed. After a rough start in UCL and domestic woes, this puts them in the driver's seat if they can hold on.

[Oct 4, 2022 at 3:54 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Inter lead at the break

The late goal in the first half by Calhanoglu is the difference! Here is the video of the sweet striker from the Turkey international:

[Oct 4, 2022 at 3:48 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Goal Inter! 

Çalhanoğlu!!! From 20 yards out, he goes low and with power to beat Ter Stegen! What a fine goal! 1-0 to the hosts!

[Oct 4, 2022 at 3:38 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Dembele with a decent look

Dembele does well down the right to get into the box but doesn't play the ball quick enough and is stopped by the Inter defense. Lewandowski was running back post, but he didn't even look up to see him.

[Oct 4, 2022 at 3:30 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Correa scores...but he's offside!

A fine run and finish from the Argentine, but he was clearly off. Still 0-0 at the San Siro as Eric Garcia does well to push up and get him him offside.

[Oct 4, 2022 at 3:25 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

No penalty! Offside is called!

Lautaro Martinez is called off, and no penalty is given as it took place before.

[Oct 4, 2022 at 3:24 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Penalty?

Eric Garcia clearly handles the ball in the box, and Inter ask for a penalty! It isn't given, but VAR has been called upon. This has to be a penalty...

[Oct 4, 2022 at 3:21 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Inter improving

Barca have four shots and two on frame, but Inter are growing into the game as they come close to an opener to win their second corner. Pedri defends well to send the ball out. 

[Oct 4, 2022 at 3:10 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

An open match early

Barca are controlling the ball, as expected, and Inter are sitting deep and looking to go on the counter. But it's open with Barca looking a tad sharper in the early moments.

[Oct 4, 2022 at 3:03 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Underway! 

The match at the San Siro has begun! Inter are in their traditional black and blue while Barca have their silver kits on.

[Oct 4, 2022 at 1:54 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

No shocks there

No surprises in the starting XI, really. Of course, Romelu Lukaku remains out with an injury as Edin Dzeko remains the main option off the bench. Lots of pace in attack with Martinez and Correa with the two Argentines looking to get in behind that Barca backline. Barca should be able to control the ball, as expected, but Inter must pressure and cut off passing lanes to slow them down.

[Oct 4, 2022 at 1:52 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Team news!

Barca: Ter Stegen; Alonso, Garcia, Christensen, Sergi Roberto; Pedri, Busquets, Gavi; Dembele, Lewandowski, Raphinha

Inter: Onana; Skriniar, De Vrij, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Correa, Martinez.

[Oct 4, 2022 at 1:45 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Prediction 

Despite the fact that Inter Milan need a win to change the start of their season, FC Barcelona are expected to win at San Siro and do just that. Pick: FC Barcelona 2, Inter Milan 1. 

[Oct 4, 2022 at 1:30 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Team news

Inter Milan: After losing two Serie A matches in a row against Udinese and AS Roma, the former Lazio manager is now seriously facing the risk of being sacked, and the two matches against FC Barcelona are his last chances to prove that he deserves to keep the job. Striker Lautaro Martinez is in doubt due to a small injury, but he should make it, while the coach has announced that Andre Onana will start at goalkeeper against the Spanish side. 

FC Barcelona: Xavi's side is expecting to keep control of the match despite some injuries that will force the manager to make some changes. During the International break there were some injuries such as defenders Ronald Araujo and Jules Koundé, midfielder Frenkie de Jong and striker Memphis Depay. All of them will miss the match against Inter Milan, while the attacking line should be composed of Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele and Robert Lewandowski.

[Oct 4, 2022 at 1:17 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Viewing information 

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 4 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: San Siro -- Milan
TV and live stream: Paramount+
Odds: Inter Milan +310; Draw +290; FC Barcelona -123 (via Caesars Sportsbook)

[Oct 4, 2022 at 1:09 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Welcome in!

Welcome to the CBS Sports live blog of the Champions League! I'm Roger Gonzalez, and I'll be providing updates on the big showdown between Inter Milan and Barcelona. Our Francesco Porzio is on his way to the San Siro as we speak ahead of this epic showdown.