When Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Inter Milan were put in Group C at the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League, this group was considered by many as the "Group of Death." Back then, more expected to see Bayern and Barca to qualify for the next stage than those who believed in Inter.
After four games, Bayern are the group leader with four straight wins; Inter are second after a win and a draw against Barca; Barca are on a quick path to the UEFA Europa League.
There wasn't much criticism against Barca for losing to Bayern. Injuries understandably played their role in the club's struggling performance against Inter. However, the problems exposed of the Spanish powerhouse in the Champions League are much bigger than simply being shorthanded.
Lautaro Martinez (#10) of Inter Milan celebrates after scoring a goal in the UEFA Champions League game against Barcelona at Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, October 12, 2022. /CFP
Robert Lewandoski (#9) of Barcelona scores a header in the UEFA Champions League game against Inter Milan at Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, October 12, 2022. /CFP
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates after scoring a goal in the UEFA Champions League game against Glasgow Rangers at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, October 12, 2022. /CFP
Host: Li Xiang
Guest: Josh McNally
Cover designer: Feng Yuan
Chief editor: Chen Ran
Supervisor: Zhang Shilei