It is still early days, but Barcelona look like they can cope without Lionel Messi.
More than the Sevilla match where they already had a two goal head-start with Messi on the field, a top-of-the-table Champions League clash with Inter Milan was a good gauge ahead of Sunday’s Clasico. And Barcelona’s reading was good.
The front three pressed in a way they can’t without the Argentine on the field, the team dominated the ball thanks to the quality of Arthur.
Messi, arm in a sling, watched from the stands with his son Thiago. The first match he will miss out of potentially six, but that doesn’t look so scary now.
In his place was Rafinha Alcantara, with coach Ernesto Valverde opting to teach Ousmane Dembele a lesson for his poor form by leaving him on the bench.
The game started slowly but Barcelona might have taken the lead after 18 minutes, with Samir Handanovic making a fine save to keep out Clement Lenglet’s header.
Barcelona dominated the ball and after 32 minutes broke the deadlock, with Rafinha providing the goal against the team he played for on loan last season.
Luis Suarez curled an inviting cross over to the Brazilian, who tucked home from close range.
Inter responded with their best effort thus far, Matias Vecino thumping a volley narrowly over from distance.
However the impotent Italians missed Radja Nainggolan in midfield to put a foot in and Barcelona were happy to keep possession.
They stroked the ball around well which made for a dominant performance if not an enthralling game.
Things livened up in the second half as Inter left more room at the back, and Lenglet nearly struck but Handanovic was there to deny him again.
Suarez’s low free-kick under the wall was blocked by Brezovic lying down behind the wall, while Rakitic moved through the gears in midfield to keep Barca on top.
Coutinho hit the crossbar from close range at the end of a sensational breakaway started by Arthur’s pass and encouraged by Suarez.
Eventually Alba netted the second after being teed up by Rakitic and it was no less than Barcelona deserved.
This performance is just what Valverde will ask for against Real Madrid on Sunday.