A game that will have a huge effect on Pique in more ways than one

Pique's situation at Barcelona is very difficult.

Xavi has already told him that he will not be playing much this season and that he will have to earn a place in the starting line-up.

Every game is a test for the once untouchable centre-back. Against Inter he failed and in a big way. His mistake on Inter's first goal was monumental.

First he broke the offside trap with his position, but the worst came later when he let the ball slip through for Barella behind him to control and score easily in front of Ter Stegen.

Moments later another mistake on Dumfries could have been another goal.

Yesterday's game could be a turning point for Pique. He gave Xavi every reason to be right and the crowd ended up whistling at him.

Raphinha was in top form. Xavi had switched him to a different flank compared to the game at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. Then he was on the left, but he was hardly able to create any danger.

This time on the right it was a different story. It was hard for him to get into the game, like the rest of the team, but as the minutes went by he started to look better and better.

He had an excellent chance from a Lewandowski pass, but his shot went wide. It was on the first goal that he really shone.

He fought for a ball that was going out for a corner, controlled it and gave an exceptional pass to Sergi Roberto to set up Dembele and opened the scoring.

In the opening minutes Inter were superior to Barcelona. They had several chances, but especially in the 17th minute of the game. A cross fell at the feet of Dzeko who had managed to get clear of his teammates.

His shot hit the crossbar and then bounced on the line. The Italians called for a goal even though it was clear that the ball did not cross the line.

Ousmane Dembele was agitated. You could see it in a move in which Lewandowski was fouled.

The Frenchman turned and fought with the Italians like never before. Dembele is not a player who tends to get embroiled in squabbles with opponents. It was clear that yesterday's game was special.

And he proved it minutes later when he took advantage of Sergi Roberto's pass to score. His celebration showed that he was fire up, as he ran to the bench to embrace the substitutes and Xavi Hernandez.

Barcelona have conceded seven goals in their four Champions League games. Too many for a team that wants to reach the last 16. In LaLiga the story is totally different. Only one goal in eight games.

Just a few minutes after Barcelona had conceded a goal due to a mistake by Pique, this was the moment to react and get back into the game. But it was not to be. Busquets lost a ball in midfield that ended in the second Inter goal scored by Lautaro.