Jose Mourinho has no sympathy as Barca cry foul over ref

The European champions felt they should have been awarded a second-half penalty at the San Siro following Wesley Sneijder's challenge on Dani Alves, with Spain midfielder Xavi telling Mourinho at the final whistle that Inter had only won because referee Olegario Benquerenca was a fellow Portuguese.

But the former Chelsea manager accused the Catalans of having short memories following his side's 3-1 win.

He said: "A year ago, Chelsea were crying and Barca were laughing with the referee. They laughed because they denied my Chelsea boys their rightful place."

Brazil international Alves was booked for diving following the challenge but Mourinho had little sympathy for the club where he once worked as an interpreter for the late Sir Bobby Robson.

He said: "I don't feel the referee influenced the outcome. It's a pity he gave an offside against Diego Milito at the start when he was onside but that's all."

Barca took an early lead through Pedro but Inter hit back with goals from Sneijder, Maicon and Milito and are now favourites to reach the Champions League final on 22 May.

Despite Inter's two-goal advantage, Mourinho warned his players against complacency ahead of Wednesday's second leg in the Nou Camp.

"We have beaten the best team in the world," he said. "We want to get to the final but Barcelona are a great team with a great coach and great players. Losing 2-1 [at the Nou Camp] would be a better result than our 3-1 win."

Inter's win was overshadowed by the actions of troubled striker Mario Balotelli. The Italy Under-21 international was jeered by the crowd when he replaced Milito in the second half and gestured towards the fans following a missed chance before throwing his shirt to the ground at the final whistle.

Inter's players were furious with Balotelli, and managing director Ernesto Paolillo confirmed the club would take action. He said: "Balotelli's gesture? Very bad. It's something we need to discuss. Will we take action? Absolutely so."