36-year-old Henrikh Mkhitaryan played the full match against Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday. The game ended in a 3-3 draw, and the semifinal result will be decided in the second leg.
The Armenian Inter midfielder delivered a very professional performance and was the best among the midfield trio. He was particularly helpful in defense, assisting Dimarco in containing the very dangerous Lamine Yamal. Although the young Spaniard scored once, Mkhitaryan confidently stopped him in several other situations.
In the second half, Henrikh became more active in attack, delivering a brilliant pass to Thuram, who, however, couldn’t break away for a one-on-one with the keeper.
Later, Mkhitaryan nearly scored himself, but his goal was ruled out due to a marginal offside.
Mkhitaryan’s stats vs Barcelona:
Minutes played: 90+.
Expected goals (xG): 0.02.
Expected assists (xA): 0.21.
Accurate passes: 25 (83%).
Key passes: 1.
Shots: 1.
Duels won: 2 out of 6.
Possessions lost: 9.
Fouls: 2.
Offside goals: 1.
Clearances: 4.
Shots blocked: 1.
Interceptions: 1.
Tackles: 2.
SofaScore rating: 6.7.
Italian media ratings and comments:
Eurosport (7): Precious, as he constantly reinforces the defense against the overall threat named Lamine Yamal. Mkhitaryan’s game is full of incredible generosity and focus, shown in his support to teammates. High football IQ. Very high.
Sportface (6.5): Very valuable in constant coverage against Yamal to help Dimarco. Runs all 90 minutes and reminds of his prime years.
Nerazzurrisiamonoi (6.5): Never wastes possession, scores a goal that was disallowed for a marginal offside.
Passioneinter (6.5): Against Barcelona’s young midfield, he shows all his experience and qualities. Also contributes significantly to defense—helping Bastoni and Dimarco (or Carlos Augusto) in containing Yamal.
Fcinter1908 (7): Undoubtedly the most composed of the midfielders. Also finds his goal, but the celebration is cut short due to an offside by centimeters. The break did him good—Barella and Çalhanoğlu struggled much more. Helpful incontaining Yamal as well.
90min (6): Battles opponents who could be his children. Too easily beaten for Barcelona’s first goal, but works hard afterward to make up for several mistakes.