Barcelona put their domestic problems aside as they claimed their 11th successive Champions League win to beat Inter Milan.

The Catalan side have now moved three points clear at the top of Group A.

Argentine striker Javier Saviola drew first blood for the Spanish side - who are 11th in the Primera Division - with his seventh-minute effort.

Dutch midfielder Phillip Cocu made it two in the 29th minute.

Cocu's compatriot Patrick Kluivert added a third in the 66th minute to see off the Nerazzurri at the Nou Camp.

The Italians' misery was compounded when Uruguayan star Alvaro Recoba was sent off 10 minutes from time.

Barca now have two wins and a draw in the three games since new coach Radomir Antic took his place on the touchline following the sacking of Louis van Gaal.

Newcastle were indebted to striker Shola Ameobi's two goals for their 3-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen which moved them to within three points of Inter in second place in Group A.

Barcelona: Bonano, Reiziger, De Boer, Puyol, Xavi, Cocu, Gabri, Motta (Mendieta 72), Saviola (Luis Enrique 80), Kluivert, Overmars (Rochemback 69).
Subs Not Used: Enke, Andersson, Riquelme, Dani.

Inter Milan: Toldo, Cordoba, Cannavaro, Gamarra, Javier Zanetti, Cristiano Zanetti, Di Biagio (Okan 59), Dalmat, Morfeo (Kallon 65), Recoba, Vieri.
Subs Not Used: Fontana, Pasquale, Coco, Sergio Conceicao, Guglielminpietro.

Sent Off: Recoba (80).
Booked: Cordoba, Cristiano Zanetti.

Attendance: 82,717

Referee: Anders Frisk (Sweden).