Barcelona and Inter Milan are set to face off in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday. Barcelona enters the match in strong form, boosted by their recent Copa del Rey victory and maintaining aspirations for a treble. Inter, however, is looking to recover after a Coppa Italia defeat and dropping from the top spot in Serie A.
A major concern for the Italian club is their recent performance: in their last three games across all competitions, they`ve conceded five goals without scoring any. Striker Marcus Thuram missed all these matches due to injury, but his potential return for the Barcelona tie would provide a significant lift. His partnership with Lautaro Martinez is crucial; their combined movement generates space and constantly challenges opposing defenses with their clinical finishing.
Thuram rejoined training on Tuesday and is now anticipated to be in the starting lineup. His importance to Inter`s attacking setup is undeniable, and his likely presence in the XI, even if not fully fit, is expected to boost the team, particularly against a high-caliber opponent like Barcelona.
Barcelona`s attack will be without Robert Lewandowski due to injury, a significant absence for Hansi Flick`s side. However, the team still possesses potent attacking options. Ferran Torres is expected to spearhead the attack, and his link-up play with Dani Olmo could trouble Inter`s defense. The primary threats are likely to come from the wings via Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Raphinha has had an outstanding season, making a strong case for the Ballon d`Or with 30 goals and 23 assists across all competitions for Barcelona. Remarkably, the 17-year-old Yamal is not far behind, having registered 14 goals and 24 assists this season.
Yamal`s output at his age is extraordinary, and he continues to develop. While Lewandowski`s absence is a setback, Inter`s tendency to allow numerous shots in the Champions League this season suggests Barcelona will have opportunities to score. A high-scoring game would likely favor the Spanish team, though Thuram`s presence could alter the dynamic.
With the first leg being played in Spain, the pressure on Inter to break their poor streak is heightened. Their defense faces further challenges with Benjamin Pavard expected to miss the match. While Barcelona`s high defensive line might offer Inter some attacking space, it might not suffice for the Italian side to match Barcelona`s offensive threat.
Predicted Lineups
Barcelona XI: Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Gerard Martin, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Ferran Torres
Inter XI: Yann Sommer; Yann Bisseck, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrik Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram
Match Details and Odds
- Date: Wednesday, April 30 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain
- Live Stream: Paramount+
- Odds: FC Barcelona -165, Draw +300, Inter +425
Dominic Ashworth