Inter is set to host Barcelona on Tuesday for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals at San Siro. The first leg on April 30 in Barcelona ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, considered one of the most exciting and dynamic matches in recent years. Both teams showcased incredible football. The visitors, Inter, scored two goals within the opening 22 minutes through Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries, before Barcelona`s talented youngster Lamine Yamal responded with a stunning solo effort and goal. Ferran Torres equalized for Barcelona before halftime, making it 2-2. The second half continued to deliver high drama. Inter regained the lead with Dumfries scoring his second of the night, but Barcelona found a fortunate equalizer for 3-3. A shot from Raphinha from outside the box deflected off goalkeeper Yann Sommer`s hands, hit the post, rebounded off Sommer`s back, and finally crossed the line.
Despite the memorable first leg in Barcelona, both sides must now win the second leg in Milan to secure a place in the final, scheduled to take place in Munich on May 31. Everything rides on the 90 minutes, or potentially more, that will unfold on Tuesday in Milan. This match precedes the other semifinal between PSG and Arsenal, which is scheduled for Wednesday.
Recent Encounters
Prior to their recent semifinal clash, the teams last met during the 2022-23 group stage, the same season Inter reached the Istanbul final before losing to Manchester City. In that group stage, Inter secured a 1-0 home win at San Siro, with Hakan Çalhanoğlu scoring just before halftime. The return leg at the Camp Nou was a six-goal thriller. Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring for Barcelona, but goals from Nicolo Barella and Lautaro Martinez turned the tie in Inter`s favor. Robert Lewandowski equalized for Barcelona with eight minutes remaining, and Robin Gosens scored in the 89th minute seemingly to give Inter the win. However, Lewandowski struck again two minutes into added time to level the score at 3-3.
Their most historically significant meeting in the Champions League semifinals occurred in 2010.
Path to the Semifinals
Barcelona performed strongly in the league phase of the tournament, finishing second in their group with 19 points from eight games (six wins, one draw against Atalanta on the final matchday, and one defeat). Before overcoming Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals, FC Barcelona eliminated Benfica in the round of 16 with a 4-1 aggregate score. Inter also had a successful league phase, finishing fourth in their group with six wins, one draw, and a single defeat away at Bayer Leverkusen. Inter progressed by beating Feyenoord in the round of 16, after the Dutch side had knocked out AC Milan in the playoffs. In the quarterfinals, Inter defeated German giants Bayern Munich with a 4-3 aggregate victory.
Inter Manager`s Thoughts
Inter manager Simone Inzaghi provided updates in his pre-match press conference: “Both Lautaro and Pavard are highly motivated, but we need to assess their condition. Lautaro has been out for a week. We will evaluate tomorrow to make the best decision. Tuesday`s game can be a turning point for us; it could take us to the final. We will approach it with desire, strength, and aggression. Playing in front of our fans will provide something extra; it`s like a final for us.”
Barcelona Manager`s Thoughts
German manager Hansi Flick commented on the possibility of Robert Lewandowski starting: “I think it might be better for Robert Lewandowski to start on the bench after his injury, but he is ready. We will see if he can start against Real Madrid [in a future match]. When we started the season, nobody had any idea what we would achieve up to now. We want to enjoy playing football, and we want the fans to enjoy it.”
Predicted Starting Lineups
Inter XI: Yann Sommer; Yann Bisseck, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrix Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram.
FC Barcelona XI: Wojciech Szczesny, Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Ferran Torres.
Player to Watch
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona — The Spanish prodigy was exceptional in the first leg in Barcelona, once again demonstrating why he is considered among the world`s best players and a strong contender for future individual awards. In the first leg, he seemed unstoppable. If he continues that form in Tuesday`s semifinal, Inter defenders will face an immense challenge in containing his talent.
Key Storyline
Fitness of Main Strikers: Both Inzaghi and Flick are grappling with last-minute squad decisions influenced by injuries. Inter`s captain, Lautaro Martinez, had to be substituted at halftime in the first leg due to a muscular issue. Surprisingly, he is expected to make a remarkably quick recovery, though he remains a doubt to start. French defender Benjamin Pavard also did not train with the team on Monday, unlike Martinez who trained partially with his teammates. Barcelona face similar issues; Alejandro Balde did not recover in time to be included in the squad list. However, Flick will have his main striker Robert Lewandowski available again for the match.
Prediction
Following the dramatic 3-3 draw in the first leg last week, the second leg in Milan is also expected to be a closely contested affair. Predicted Outcome: Inter 2, Barcelona 2 (Inter advance 5-4 after penalties).
Dominic Ashworth