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Napoli and Barcelona drew 1-1 in their first leg last 16 Champions League tussle at ​Stadio San Paolo on Tuesday evening, with Dries Mertens’ goal making him the Italian side’s joint-leading goalscorer in their history.

La Blaugrana settled quickly and they saw plenty of the ball in the early stages, but there were no notable opportunities. In fact, the first chance fell to the hosts, Fabian Ruiz playing a sensational sweeping pass to send Jose Callejon through on goal. He looked up and attempted to play the ball across goal, but it was deflected into the hands of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

With 29 minutes on the clock, Gli Azzurri moved into the lead through Mertens. As the ball came to him on the edge of the area, he took one touch and curled the ball beautifully into the top right corner of the goal. However, La Blaugrana hit back 12 minutes after half time, Antoine Griezmann firing in Nelson Semedo’s pass.

Callejon was set through on goal moments later, but he wasted the chance to restore his side’s lead. Despite both sides best efforts, there wasn’t to be a winner for either side, but Arturo Vidal was sent off in the final minutes for two bookable offences.

​Here’s 90min‘s review of the game…

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NAPOLI

Key Talking Point

Gennaro Gattuso’s Napoli came into this clash having won six of their last seven matches in all competitions. During this run, they have overcome Juventus and Inter.

As a result, they will have come into this game in good spirits, but they were once again without star defender Kalidou Koulibaly. The hosts clearly had a game plan and it was visible almost immediately. They were compact and looked to force Barcelona into mistakes before breaking at speed on the counter-attack.

The plan was working as they restricted their opponents to zero shots on target in the first half, while they also looked menacing each time they went forward. After Barça found an equaliser, they began to open up and while this made them more vulnerable at the back, they did come close to grabbing a second on numerous occasions. In the end, it was a bright performance and they are certainly in the tie.

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Napoli Player Ratings 

Starting XI: Ospina (6); Di Lorenzo (6), Manolas (6), Maksimović (6), Mário Rui (6); Callejón (7), Fabián Ruiz (8*), Demme (6), Zielinski (6); Mertens (7), Insigne (7)

Substitutes: Milik (6), Politano (6), Allan (6)

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Fabian Ruiz

Mertens worked exceptionally hard for the team and it will be a memorable night for him as he drew level with Marek Hamsik as the club’s leading goalscorer, but it was Fabian Ruiz who was most impressive against Barça

 

The midfielder was instrumental, working tirelessly without the ball to press and force the Catalan giants into mistakes. And after winning the ball back, the Spaniard showed his quality in possession time and time again, picking out stunning passes to send his attackers through.

Fabian is an outstanding talent and aged just 23, he has a very bright career ahead of him.

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BARCELONA

Key Talking Point

Barcelona returned to the top of La Liga on the weekend as they swept aside Eibar 5-0, with Lionel Messi netting four times. Immediately from the off against Napoli, they were allowed to see a lot of the ball, and to dictate the tempo of the game.

The hosts didn’t allow the Barça players to have any space to operate in though. The Catalan giants struggled to find a way through and although they saw as much as 71% of the ball in the first half, they only managed two shots in total – with neither being on target.

While the likes of Frenkie de Jong were making runs in behind in an attempt to make things happen, they were constantly forced into a mistake before being able to play a pass. As a result, Messi was often seen drifting out wide to allow himself the space to work in, but he didn’t receive the ball often enough.

The away side were improved in the second half and looked to get the ball into the box faster, but while they were able to find an equaliser, they still failed to really test David Ospina. Nonetheless, they will take an away goal back to Camp Nou. 

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Barcelona Player Ratings

Starting XI: Ter Stegen (6); Semedo (6), Piqué (6), Umtiti (6), Firpo (5); Busquets (6), Rakitić (4), De Jong (5); Vidal (4); Messi (6), Griezmann (7*)

Substitutes: Arthur (6), Fati (N/A), Lenglet (N/A) 

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Antoine Griezmann

Barcelona started the game rather sluggishly, with no player looking to really impose themselves on the game. Even the phenomenal talent that is Messi struggled to get into the game, but when they needed someone to step up, Griezmann was that player.

The Frenchman barely touched the ball up to that point, but when he was presented with an opportunity, he ruthlessly finished. It was a hugely important strike as it not only drew them level, but it also gave his side a valuable away goal. It was certainly not his best display, but he provided the necessary quality to get his team back into the game. 

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Looking Ahead

Napoli return to league action on Saturday as they host Torino before taking on Inter in the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi final clash.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have the small matter of the Clasico on Sunday before taking on Real Sociedad.

​Liverpool came from behind to beat West Ham 3-2 in an enthralling game at Anfield in the Premier League on Monday night.

Sadio Mané’s effort ten minutes from time saw Jürgen Klopp’s troops over the line but the league leaders were forced to work hard for their record-equalling 18th league victory in a row.

The Reds were fast out the blocks and took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes. Trent Alexander Arnold provided the assist and Gini Wijnaldum stooped to head home. But West Ham hadn’t read the script and were soon back on level terms. ​Liverpool failed to deal with a corner and Issa Diop was on hand to head the visitors back level.

In a frantic start, Mo Salah cut in but his curling shot from inside the area was tipped over by Lukasz Fabianski, who also saved well from Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.

However, the ​Hammers limited Liverpool to half-chances and with the Reds not at their penetrative best, the teams went in all square at the break.

Then the unthinkable happened; West Ham went in front, after substitute Pablo Fornals finished into the bottom corner from a Declan Rice cross.

But the joy was short-lived as Fabianski who’d hardly covered himself in glory for the opener, inexcusably let Salah’s shot squirm through his legs and into the net.

And as if on cue Alexander-Arnold was the provider yet again. He registered his 12th league assist of the season and put it on a plate for Mané to give Liverpool the win.

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LIVERPOOL

Key Talking Point

They got away with a win here but only just.

It was very noticeable that the Reds missed their skipper against the Hammers. Jordan Henderson is clearly a big loss for the league leaders.

His energy and ability to drive the team forward was absent and at times Liverpool looked flat and somewhat laboured in midfield.

Henderson’s boots are big ones to step into and despite his best efforts, Naby Keita was unable to fully fill the void in Liverpool’s engine room.

There was a tenacity missing which defines the England midfielder’s game and the league leaders missed his authority.

The press for which Klopp’s men have become renowned was practically non-existent without the skipper.

On several occasions, the Reds failed to get close to the Hammers and the visitors enjoyed more success than most who have travelled to Anfield this season.

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PLAYER RATINGS

Alisson (5), Alexander-Arnold (8*), Gomez (5), Van Dijk (6), Robertson (7), Fabinho (6), Wijnaldum (6), Keita (5), Mane (7), Salah (6), Firmino (5).

Subs: Oxlade-Chamberlain (7), Matip (N/A)

STAR MAN

Trent Alexander Arnold’s wand of a right foot was yet again on display at Anfield and the right back took less than 10 minutes to register his 11th assist of the season.

It appears that defenders still haven’t learnt that giving the young right back space is not a good idea.

His wicked early delivery was just begging to be put away and arriving late into the box, Wijnaldum duly obliged with a fine stooping header.

Time and time again, it was Alexander-Arnold who was the likeliest player to unlock the stubborn Irons defence during the first half.

First, he had an effort flash just wide of the post, then his free-kick was deflected inches wide before he whipped an inch-perfect cross into Van Dijk, only for Fabianski to tip it over.

In the second half, once Liverpool had fallen behind it was Alexander-Arnold who was the one player constantly providing an attacking outlet.

Whether it be dead-ball situations or marauding forward runs, the England international was a man on a mission.

So it was hardly surprising that it was he who provided the supply line for Mané to hit the winner.

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WEST HAM

Key Talking Point

Away from the off the pitch drama surrounding West Ham supporters’ resentment directed towards owners David Sullivan and David Gold, there was a job to do on the pitch.

Fans were in need of a lift and their team gave as good account as any who have attempted to topple the red machine on their own patch this term.

During his managerial career, in 15 previous attempts, David Moyes had never overseen a victory at Anfield, that now rolls over to 16 but his side gave a very good showing here.

For the most part, West Ham’s deep defensive block – perhaps inspired by Atletico Madrid’s success – nullified Liverpool and restricted the Reds to long-range efforts.

The visitors did allow balls into the box from the wide areas but they defended them admirably and will take some confidence from their performance.

Had it not been for a very questionable moment or two from Fabianski in goal, then Moyes may have been coming away from Anfield with at least a point, if not three.

That said, the West ham manager will take heart from his side’s display and if they show the same levels of performance, they will steer clear of the relegation zone.

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PLAYER RATINGS

Fabianski (6), Ngakia (8*), Diop (7), Ogbonna (7), Cresswell (7); Rice (7), Noble (7), Snodgrass (7), Soucek, Felipe Anderson (6); Antonio (6)

Fornals (7), Haller (6), Bowen (5)

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STAR MAN – Jeremy Ngakia

Right back has been a problem position for the Hammers this season neither Ryan Fredericks nor Pablo Zabaleta able to nail down a regular starting berth.

But in 19-year old Ngakia, it appears that the Irons may have uncovered a gem and the latest in a seemingly endless list of young, talented English right backs.

He was not overawed by the occasion and stuck to his task of keeping tabs on Mané, many a man has tried and failed miserably.

But the teenager put in a commendable performance at Anfield, not only in defence but offensively too.

Ngakia was certainly not afraid to venture forward at every opportunity and he put in some inviting balls into the Liverpool box.

In the second half as the Reds went in search of an equaliser, the full back was required to fulfil his defensive duties, something he did extremely well.

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Looking Ahead

Leaders Liverpool take their quest for the title to Watford for a Saturday tea-time Premier League clash, whilst the Hammers entertain Southampton in a relegation six-pointer on Saturday afternoon.

Levante caused a huge shock in La Liga on Saturday evening by beating Real Madrid 1-0 at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia, thanks to a stunning volley from captain Jose Morales.

Madrid had the better of the first half, creating a number of opportunities which Karim Benzema and Isco squandered carelessly. Levante were proving to be tricky customers however, and the hosts posed a constant threat on the counter attack, fluffing their own lines on several occasions.

Madrid pushed in the second half to grab the opening goal, and Eden Hazard missed an excellent chance when through one on one with the keeper, blasting the ball straight at the shot-stopper. Benzema also squandered a gilt-edged opportunity later on, and Los Blancos were subsequently made to pay for their poor finishing.

Levante broke the deadlock in superb fashion with only 11 minutes remaining, when captain Morales blasted a vicious left-footed volley from an acute angle beyond a shocked Thibaut Courtois.

Madrid tried to get back into the game as the minutes ticked by, but Levante stood firm to claim a huge result in the race for the Liga title.

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​Levante

Player Ratings

​Starting XI: Aitor (8); Miramón (8), Bruno (8), Postigo (7), Toño (8); Morales (9), Vukcevic (7), Campaña (8), Bardhi (8); Roger (7), Mayoral (8).

Substitutes: Malero (7), Martinez (7), Leon (N/A).

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Real Madrid

Key Talking Point

What a miserable season ​Eden Hazard is having in Madrid. It’s been a stop-start campaign for the Belgian superstar in the Spanish capital, and Saturday’s match with Levante may have caused yet another stop. Hazard was on the end of some tough tackles when in possession, and he had to be substituted on 65 minutes having received a knock to his right ankle.

The 29-year-old has missed huge chunks of the season with a recurring ankle injury, and in only the second league game since his return, he was forced to limp off once again. Hazard was seen with an ice pack strapped to his foot whilst sitting on the bench, and Zidane must be fearing the worst ahead of a busy final few months of the season.

​Madrid are set to face English champions Manchester City next week, but they may have to do so without their big summer signing.

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Real Madrid Player Ratings

Starting XI: Courtois (5); Carvajal (5), Varane (6), Ramos (7), Marcelo (6); Casemiro (8), Modric (7), Kroos (6), Isco (6); Hazard (7), Benzema (6).

​Substitutes: Vinicius (7), Vazquez (6), Valverde (6).

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Casemiro

Casemiro is Mr. Consistent in the Real Madrid midfield. While those around him may be rotated to allow freshness within the squad, the Brazilian midfielder is simply too important for Zidane’s side. The 27-year-old played a key role in the centre of the park, breaking up several dangerous counter attacks, and releasing his forward players to cause problems at the other end.

Madrid were desperate to earn three points to regain their place at the top of La Liga, and Casemiro epitomised his team’s desire with his determined and typically dogged performance. Ultimately, it wasn’t enough to prevent the Spanish giants from falling to defeat – but the Brazilian star deserved better from his teammates around him.

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Looking Ahead

Levante follow up their determined display against Madrid with a trip to Eibar on Saturday. Madrid must turn their attention away from domestic duties next week, as they entertain ​Man City at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening.

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro ​has revealed he wishes that international teammate Neymar would have joined him at the Bernabeu when transfer speculation arose in the summer.

The pair have often played against each other as rivals either in El Clásico when Neymar was at Barcelona, or in Champions League meetings between Los Blancos and PSG. But that hasn’t stopped Casemiro from wanting his Brazilian counterpart to join him in the Spanish capital.

​Neymar has been recognised as one of the finest forwards in world football for a number of years now, and that hasn’t changed this season despite the fact he has only made 14 league appearances. In those 14 games, he has scored 13 and assisted six, helping PSG to a ten point lead over Marseille in Ligue 1.

Speaking to ​Marca, Casemiro revealed that he was keen for Neymar to make the move back to Spain, saying: “I wanted him to come to Madrid. I talk to him almost every day.”

The midfielder then went on to compare the winger to French wonderkid Kylian Mbappe, who had also been linked with a move to ​Real in the summer, saying (via Football Espana): “Both of them are two explosive players that are totally different.”

Different they are, and some may argue that ​Mbappe has a higher ceiling – and all signs point to the Frenchman being the one player Real Madrid would love to sign more than anyone else. And that includes Neymar.

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Arsenal just about did enough to topple Olympiacos in the first leg of their Europa League round of 32 tie on Thursday evening, narrowly beating the Greek side 1-0 away from home.

While it was far from a vintage display from the Gunners, Arsenal achieved a great result, with the only goal of the game coming from Alexandre Lacazette’s late strike.

Before the opener, Arsenal had been fairly uninspiring, with Olympiacos having the better of the chances, and looking likely to hold on for an important home draw. But the visitors had other ideas, netting a vital away goal, and they could have added to their one-goal cushion with just minutes remaining, but failed to capitalise on some good late chances.

Let’s take you back to the start, though.

Olympiacos started the game at a ferocious tempo, putting relentless pressure on an initially shaky-looking ​Arsenal backline. In fact, within four minutes the hosts could have had a double, but some poor finishing let the Gunners off the hook.

​​Alexandre Lacazette proved similarly wasteful at the other end not long afterwards, smashing his close-range effort wide following a characteristically flowing Arsenal move.

A big chance. A big miss.

​​Both sides looked promising going forward, with both Olympiacos and Arsenal seemingly edging closer to breaking the deadlock with every passing minute.

Who would budge first?

​Arsenal’s hoard of Twitter bots were desperate for a little more creativity in the second half, calling on two familiar faces…

​​But, despite the introduction of Dani Ceballos and Nicolas Pepe shortly after the restart, Arsenal continued to look pretty toothless going forward, and were actually looking less and less likely to open the scoring.

Much to the annoyance of the Arsenal fans.

​​Eventually, Lacazette found his shooting boots, sweeping home a lovely Arsenal move – courtesy of a gorgeous cross from young full-back Bukayo Saka.

Exactly what the doctor ordered.

​​That was enough for the Gunners in the end, who take a slim but vital one-goal lead back to the Emirates for the return leg. And, just as importantly, it’s a crucial away goal.

It’s fair to say that the Arsenal supporters were fairly pleased with the result, even if the performance was somewhat underwhelming.​​

And has anyone mentioned that the Gunners are still unbeaten in 2020.

Oh, they have…

I think we get it.

Tottenham have it all to do in their Champions League round of 16 tie after Timo Werner’s penalty handed RB Leipzig a deserved 1-0 lead in north London on Wednesday night

A rip-roaring start from the visitors saw Hugo Lloris forced into an early save, reacting quickly to Angelino’s effort and forcing the on-loan defender’s strike onto the post. It was the visitors who continued to dominate for the remainder of the half, with Timo Werner spurning a decent opportunity for Julian Nagelsmann’s side.

Lucas Moura had the first chance of the second half, but it was Leipzig who would take the lead via Werner’s penalty. Ben Davies clearly fouled Konrad Laimer to hand the German the chance from 12 yards, and he made no mistake by firing low beyond Lloris.

Trying to force themselves back into the tie, Giovani Lo Celso came within inches of netting a superb equaliser after seeing his bending free kick tipped onto the post by the outstretched arm of Peter Gulasci.

​Spurs continued to press but were unable to find a crucial leveler, and are now faced with a tough task on their hands as they make the return trip to Germany in three weeks’ time.

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​TOTTENHAM

Key Talking Point

What cost would the absence of Heung-min Son and Harry Kane have on Tottenham’s approach to Wednesday’s clash? The answer: a significant one.

Without a focal point in attack, or someone to hold the ball up in the final third, Spurs struggled to create anything of note. Their approach was a more reactive than proactive one, where it seemed the inevitable goal that would come from RB Leipzig’s onslaught would force their hand as opposed to taking the bull by the horns themselves.

Operating as a 4-4-2 with ​Dele Alli up top and Gedson Fernandes on the right of midfield, the plan was clear. Soaking up pressure and relying on Lo Celso to craft an opening was all Spurs had going for them. Problem was though, it wasn’t working.

They were facing an outfit who were immensely organised, pressed relentlessly, and who you could forgiven for thinking were the home side based on Wednesday’s showing.

After conceding the goal, the dynamic in Spurs’ game shifted drastically. The question that bubbles up is: why not sooner? Goals change games, sure, but everyone watching on could foresee a Leipzig opener, so why sit back and wait for that to happen? An improvement followed, granted, but Spurs were asking for it from the off. Their ​Champions League aspirations have taken a massive dent.

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Tottenham Player Ratings

Starting XI: Lloris (7); Aurier (6), Alderweireld (7), Sanchez (7), Davies (6); Winks (6), Fernandes (6), Lo Celso (8*), Alli (5), Bergwijn (5); Lucas (6).

Substitutes: Ndombele (7), Lamela (7).

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Giovani Lo Celso

How often has this happened since he’s come into the side more regularly? Answer: 99% of the time.

Once again the standout player for Tottenham was Giovani Lo Celso, who was comfortably the the best player on the park in white. His passing was crisp throughout and, particularly in an uninspiring first half, was the one Spurs player who was trying conjure up some magic for his side.

​Not only was he looking to carve open opportunities for his teammates, but if there was nothing on he was willing to take the game by the scruff of the neck and drive at the RB Leipzig defence.

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RB LEIPZIG

Key Talking Point

How good is the quality of the Bundesliga this season? Take one look at RB Leipzig’s performance in north London and the answer is very clear.

Only six points separate the top six in the division, and Wednesday’s visitors gave a fine example of themselves, showing immense composure and calmness on the ball that was both efficient and effective.

Their pressing was forceful yet measured, and they kept Spurs pinned deep into their own half all the way up until 20 minutes from the end. This was a group of players who knew exactly what their job role was in the side, taking on their orders and adhering to them.

The only issue was, they only scored one. Sure, Spurs turned the screw towards the end, but the fact is that because RB Leipzig were in such control for large spells, the fact they’ve left their opponents with a glimmer of hope in the second leg is the only downside on an otherwise solid showing.

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RB Leipzig Player Ratings

Starting XI: Gulasci (8); Halstenberg (8), Ampadu (8), Klostermann (8), Tasende (7); Laimer (8), Sabitzer (9*), Mukiele (8); Nkunku (8); Werner (8), Schick (7).

Substitutes: Haidara (7), Poulsen (7), Forsberg (N/A).

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Marcel Sabitzer

Talk about running the show, Marcel Sabitzer was instrumental in all the flowing moves RB Leipzig made on Wednesday night. Operating off the front two, his commanding presence in the middle of the park was the platform for every attack the visitors made.

Intense in his pressing yet calm in possession, the Austrian oozed class with his silky footwork and impressive vision. He wore the captain’s armband and it’s only fair to say it was a captain’s performance from the 25-year-old.

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Looking Ahead

Spurs are back in Premier League action on Saturday to face fierce rivals Chelsea, meanwhile RB Leipzig travel to take on Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga this weekend.

Lille manager Christophe Galtier has admitted that Boubakary Soumaré has caused “tension” at the club, amid continued links with a move to the Premier League.

The 20-year-old has been one of the breakout stars in Europe this season, with his performances in Ligue 1 attracting the interest of some of the biggest clubs on the continent.

Manchester ​United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all keen on moving for the dynamic midfielder, but they’re not alone in their interest – with Arsenal and Tottenham, AC Milan, Atletico and Real Madrid all thought to be admirers.

Soumaré was even the subject of a ​failed club-record bid from Newcastle in the January transfer window, despite terms being agreed between the Magpies and his current employers, Lille.

Now, it seems that failing to secure a move away has caused some issues in the French camp – with manager Galtier admitting to L’Equipe that things have not been plain sailing with so many interested parties, leading to Soumaré being dropped from the side this past weekend.

“There is a situation at the club that I do not comment on,” he began. “In seasons, there can be tension between a player and his club. We’ll settle this internally and find a solution. 

“Under these conditions, I therefore decided to work on two other options this week. I found it interesting what (Jean Emile) Onana could do. “

Onana was the man drafted in to play Marseille at the weekend, a game which Galtier’s side would go on to lose 2-1 after two quick-fire goals in the second half, leaving them in fourth place in Ligue 1.

Soumaré’s absence is unlikely to drag on for too long – he is, after all, one of Lille’s best players and has played a crucial role in their success this season – and a swift return to the side could see him emerge as an outside contender for France’s Euro 2020 squad.

He’s yet to be capped at full international level, but has made four appearances for the Under-21s since making his debut last year, marking the sixth consecutive youth level that he has represented Les Blues at.

Milan bounced back from their derby day collapse against rivals Inter ​with a 1-0 win over Torino at San Siro on Monday night, Ante Rebic’s sixth goal in seven games proving decisive.

Milan had surrendered a 2-0 lead against their arch-rivals in their most recent Serie A outing, slipping to a 4-2 defeat to end their run of seven games without a loss in all competitions.

However, they recovered admirably, and Monday’s victory lifts them into the top half of the table and into eighth, with 10 points separating them from Atalanta in the final Champions League spot, but now just four points between themselves and Roma in fifth.

It’s now nine home games unbeaten for Milan – the best run they have had on home turf in over three years.

Milan started brightly, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic had the ball in net in the 20th minute following a flowing Milan move, but his goal was chalked off for offside.

Milan did take the lead five minutes later through a well-taken Ante Rebic finish. Torino were adamant that they should have been given a foul in the build-up, as Samu Castillejo won the ball off Alex Berenguer inside the Torino half.

However, the referee waved away the visitor’s protests, and Cetillejo picked out Rebic inside the penalty area, who found the bottom corner with a calm, first-time finish.

Milan could have doubled their lead three minutes into the second half, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic curled a wonderful opportunity just wide.

Torino came back at Milan in the second half, but the hosts dug in and held on for a hard fought victory. Despite the visitor’s pressure in the second half, Gianluigi Donnarumma enjoyed a relatively comfortable night between the sticks.

Milan face a trip to Fiorentina in their next league outing on Saturday, a side they lost 3-1 to at the beginning of the season but now sit five places abov in Serie A.

​Lazio edged Inter 2-1 on Sunday night as they leapfrogged the Nerazzuri in the Serie A table to leave them just a point off Juventus at the summit.

In what was an intriguing tactical battle of two 3-5-2 formations, it was the hosts who went the closest to opening the scoring early on in proceedings as Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s fierce drive from distance rattled Daniele Padelli’s crossbar.

Antonio Conte’s side were certainly the brighter in the first half, and after failing to make the most of some promising attacking transitions, they were finally able to execute late on in the opening period. After Jony’s cross was picked off by Ashley Young on the edge of the Inter box, Inter countered to great effect – with Young finishing on the half-volley after Thomas Strakosha had parried Antonio Candreva’s effort into danger.

The hosts responded swiftly after the restart though, as Ciro Immobile scored his 26th Serie A goal of the season from the penalty spot after he was brought down inside the area by Stefan de Vrij.

Both sides defended resolutely after Immobile’s leveller, with chances coming few and far between, before a bit of magic by Milinkovic-Savic helped the Biancocelesti take the lead – the Serb doing brilliantly to work a bit of space inside the Inter box before squeezing his left-footed effort past Padelli.

Much to Simone Inzaghi’s displeasure, an entertaining, end-to-end contest played out with glorious chances coming at both ends.

Lautaro Martinez thought he’d grabbed a late equaliser after he’d nodded in Young’s unselfish cross, but the Argentine was rightly adjudged to have been offside before Immobile had his one-on-one effort well-saved by Padelli – the Italian goal machine beating both Diego Godin and De Vrij with a first touch sent from the Gods.

The visitors continued to press right up until the final whistle but were unable to find the all-important equaliser, sparking scenes off jubilation in the Stadio Olimpico.

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LAZIO

Key Talking Point

What a turnaround by Simone Inzaghi’s men, eh?

After a rather underwhelming first-half display, the hosts came out like a different beast in the second period. A newfound intensity out of possession didn’t allow the Nerazzurri back three to settle on the ball and they were quickly on level terms after their drastic improvement.

And although it wasn’t a trademark attacking display by the Biancocelesti – with Inter doing well to nullify chief creator Luis Alberto – they did just about enough to edge this one. Inzaghi will know though, that he has the immense defensive work of Francesco Acerbi to thank for his side claiming a vital three points.

Ladies and gentleman, we’ve officially got ourselves a three-horse race. Strap yourselves in.

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Player Ratings

Starting XI: Strakosha (6); Felipe (7), Acerbi (9), Radu (7); Marusic (6), Milinkovic-Savic (9*), Lucas (7), Alberto (6), Jony (6); Caicedo (5), Immobile (7)

Subs: Correa (6), Lazzari (7), Cataldi (6)

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Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

The Serbia international’s wicked effort that struck the woodwork in the opening ten minutes set the tone for a wonderful display.

While as cool as ever in possession, it was Milinkovic-Savic’s physical presence that caused the Nerazzurri backline so many issues on Sunday night. His movement out of possession, meanwhile, was superb, initially starting a little deeper to find space before persistently exploiting the space between Inter’s left-sided centre-back and wing-back.

The 24-year-old’s expertly taken finish to give his side a massive three points was just the icing on what was a complete performance and based on his recent form, there’s little doubt he’ll have Europe’s elite at his feet come summertime.

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INTER

Key Talking Point

After the highs of the derby victory last weekend, Conte’s side were quickly brought down to Earth – first losing at home to Napoli in the Coppa Italia in the week before tonight’s defeat.

Once more the Nerazzurri failed to put in a complete display as they succumbed to a Lazio comeback in the second period.

Overall, it wasn’t the worst performance by the visitors; they remained compact until the hosts took the lead, Immobile’s impact was limited in open play, while they were able to transition from defence to attack with relative ease. They certainly created enough to get a point from the Stadio Olimpico.

In the end, however, a soft penalty decision and their inability to clear a corner was ultimately Inter’s undoing on Sunday night and now they’re three points off Juventus at the top, with the momentum from the Milan Derby victory swiftly evaporating.

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Player Ratings

Starting XI: Padelli (5); Godin (6), De Vrij (6), Skriniar (7); Candreva (7), Vecino (7), Brozovic (7), Barella (5), Young (7*); Lautaro (5), Lukaku (6)

Subs: Moses (6), Eriksen (6), Sanchez (5)

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Ashley Young

The former United man has enjoyed a bright start in Italy but this was undoubtedly his finest display.

With Milinkovic-Savic often occupying the right half-space, Young had a mightily difficult task and with Adam Marusic providing width, Young’s defensive capabilities were certainly put to the test. The Englishman passing with flying colours, however.

Going forward he proved a threat as well, kickstarting the attacking transition that led to his opener in the first half – a finish that certainly made us think it was still 2012 and he was playing on Sir Alex Ferguson’s left-wing at Old Trafford.

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Looking Ahead

Lazio travel to relegation-battlers Genoa next Sunday while Inter take on Ludogorets in the first leg of their Europa League round of 32 tie on Thursday evening.

The Nerazzurri then host Sampdoria in Serie A on Sunday night.