The UEFA Champions League semifinals are reaching their climax this week. The focus is particularly on the crucial second leg between Inter and Barcelona in Milan on Tuesday.
Inter Target the Upset, With or Without Martinez
Despite recent momentum and playing at home in this decisive second leg, Inter Milan are widely considered the underdogs against Barcelona. This perception isn`t without reason. While usually defensively solid, Inter`s defense was exposed in the thrilling 3-3 first-leg draw, and they face significant personnel concerns for the return fixture.
Key players Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard are uncertain to feature due to injuries. Martinez is dealing with a hamstring issue sustained in the first leg in Barcelona, while Pavard has an ankle problem that occurred a few days earlier. Inter coach Simone Inzaghi remained coy on their availability in his pre-match press conference, stating their status would be decided on match day.
Inzaghi: `We`ll decide tomorrow with the staff and the players. They`ll have to tell me how they feel. Pavard has good feelings, Lautaro hasn`t trained since the Barcelona match. Let`s see how he is today in training.`
With potential absences upfront, Marcus Thuram is expected to be the main attacking threat for Inter. His performance in the first leg highlighted his importance. As Inter`s second-highest goalscorer this season, Thuram will be crucial in trying to exploit Barcelona`s defense, which has shown vulnerabilities. Set pieces could also prove vital, following Denzel Dumfries` success from them last week. However, the big question remains whether Inter`s approach will be enough to overcome a Barcelona side featuring the immense talent of Lamine Yamal.
Barcelona`s Treble Race Continues
Barcelona arrives in Milan facing a pivotal week for their hopes of winning a treble. Not only is a place in the Champions League final at stake against Inter, but a crucial El Clasico fixture in La Liga follows on Sunday. Their destiny largely remains in their own hands, particularly in the Champions League, where they are boosted by the return of Robert Lewandowski who has traveled with the squad after being sidelined for a few weeks.
While Lewandowski`s return is a significant boost, much of the attention will still be on Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old, who marked his 100th appearance for Barcelona in the first leg, is rapidly becoming the team`s standout player and is rightfully regarded as one of football`s most exciting emerging talents. Even opposing managers like Inzaghi acknowledge the challenge he poses. Inzaghi admitted he would need to add defensive layers specifically to contain the young Barcelona player, while also joining the widespread praise for his skill.
Inzaghi: `We have to try not to let him get the ball, but it`s impossible. Obviously, he`ll be double-marked, a player who will be closely watched, and we`ll try to pay attention to him. In person, he`s a tremendous talent; he`s truly dangerous and everyone gives him the ball. I was impressed by his quick thinking; he always knows what play to make.`
With Lewandowski potentially back in the lineup, Barcelona can field a formidable attack. The trio of Lewandowski, Yamal, and Raphinha alone have contributed significantly to their goal tally this season, highlighting their effective attacking strategy which often compensates for defensive errors. Although the aggregate score is level heading into the second leg, Barcelona, based on their dominant spells in the first match, are arguably in the driving seat and must rise to the occasion to secure their place in the final.
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Dominic Ashworth