With fans and neutrals alike on the edge of their seats from this gripping encounter, expectations were high for an equally entertaining second half.
After three stunning goals worthy of putting any team in the Champions League final, there was almost an air of disappointment when Inter’s goal to restore their advantage came from a simple corner routine.
Dumfries rose highest to meet Hakan Calhanoglu’s corner at the back post, highlighting Barca’s defensive struggles.
“Inter are not the most dynamic team, and they don’t have much raw pace but there was still a way for them to hurt Barca, on the break or with set-pieces,” said Warnock.
“They are the oldest squad in the Champions League so there is a lot of experience there and they showed that tonight with the way they were clever enough to keep opening Barca up.”
At 30 years and 56 days, Inter named the seventh oldest starting XI for a Champions League semi-final game and they used all of that experience to keep cool heads in a high-drama scenario.
“When you play at home like we did, the sensation is that we should have managed to earn a better result,” Barcelona forward Raphinha told Movistar Plus.
“We can’t concede that many goals, especially at home. Sure, you have to give praise to our opponents who are strong and played well tonight but we are Barca and it’s our duty to win at home, that’s how it is.”
Smarting from three consecutive defeats in the past seven days, where they have dropped to second in Serie A and gone out of the Coppa Italia to city rivals AC Milan, Inter were determined not to let the lead slip away again.
“Barca were set up to attack and take the game to Inter but their high-line left them vulnerable at the back,” said Warnock.
“They are not going to change that way of playing – they haven’t changed all season and they have done well doing it, so why would they?”
