On April 20, 2010, Barça had to endure an epic coach journey to Milan to play Inter, thanks to an ash cloud caused by the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull. Activity from the volcano had been detected as early as late 2009, with a first, small eruption on March 20, 2010.

The second, and much larger eruption began on April 14, and lasted until April 20, and the ash cloud was so vast that it created the highest level of air travel disruption seen since the second world war.

Barça looked lively to begin with at the San Siro, and almost took the lead through Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the opening minute. Samuel Eto’o was booked for kicking the ball away in the 12th minute, as the frustration of not being able to score against his former employers got the better of him.

Crucial saves

Just seven minutes later, Pedro gave the visitors the lead, and even when Wesley Sneijder equalised on the half hour, the Blaugranes hadn’t really been troubled. Ibra again came close just before half-time, failing to connect with a cross from Dani Alves.

Goran Pandev had already missed a chance in the second half before Maicon put the hosts ahead on 48, and then Carles Puyol picked up a booking which would rule him out of the second leg, before both Leo Messi and Sergio Busquets went close.

The saves from Júlio César would prove crucial, however, as Diego Milito added a third for Inter which ultimately was enough to see them into the final despite Barça’s 1-0 second leg victory.