Inter show class but Bale fights back

Last night was what the Champions League is all about. The standard of football played by Inter Milan in the Giuseppe Meazza in the first half was outstanding; although aided by some woeful play from Spurs. The reigning Champions of Europe set the tone for the night in the first minute when after 14 passes the ball broke to Javier Zanetti who dinked the ball over Gomez for a 1 nil lead.

The sending off effectively ended the game as a contest (or so we thought) but it was the correct decision and Inter were then running riot. Many of the Spurs players were found wanting and were desperate for the full time whistle, let alone the half-time break. However, they had not banked on Gareth Bale who lit up the stadium in the 2nd half with a virtuoso performance. His hat-trick of goals were taken brilliantly but Inter could and maybe should have done more to close him down on every occasion.

The comeback has taken the gloss off Inter’s display but Bale has certainly announced himself on the European stage. Spurs should not be complacent though, they have been a little fortunate so far in the competition not to be taught a lesson and last night they were. However, they are still well in the hunt for a place in the next round and should take a lot on board from yesterday. The defending simply cannot be that bad again and they desperately need a top striker as Crouch yet again proved his inadequacies against the best sides.

Inter proved that losing Mourinho will not effect them deeply at this stage, although one wonders whether Bale would have had as much joy against his organisation. The class of Eto’o, Sneijder and Coutinho was there for everyone to see and the later looks unbelievably good! I for one am really looking forward to the return game at White Hart Lane in 2 weeks.