体坛英语新闻：Inter draw with Twente as Barcelona thrash Panathinaikos

ROME, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Inter Milan got off to an unconvincing start in defence of their UEFA Champions League title as they drew away with FC Twente 2-2 on Tuesday, while Barcelona displayed amazing form to thrash Panathinaikos 5-1.

Wesley Sneijder, booed by some home fans on his return to the Netherlands, put the visiting Inter ahead after 13 minutes when he slotted home after Diego Milito's shot had been parried.

The Dutch champions soon hit back with an unstoppable Theo Janssen free kick before Milito, enduring a difficult start to the season having been inspirational last term, glanced in an own goal from a corner.

Diego Milito of Inter Milan (L) scores an own goal against Twente Enschede next to his teammate Lucio (2nd L) during their Champions League Group A soccer match in Enschede September 14, 2010.

Inter reacted quickly to going behind in the downpour and the slick surface helped Samuel Eto'o fire in a superb equaliser from outside the area after 41 minutes following Goran Pandev's layoff.

Inter have looked off the pace this term with new coach Rafael Benitez, frustrated at the club not strengthening in the transfer window, coming under immediate pressure following the stunning treble success of Jose Mourinho last season.

A Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona recovered from the shock of going a goal down against Panathinaikos to get their Champions League campaign off to a convincing start at Camp Nou with an overwhelming victory.

Panathinaikos took the lead against the run of play through Sidney Govou in the 20th minute but Barca hit back in merciless fashion to take a 3-1 lead by half-time through two goals from the irrepressible Messi and another from David Villa.