The stage is set for the 2025 UEFA Champions League semifinals, with Barcelona hosting Inter Milan for the first leg on Wednesday. Barcelona is in strong form, having recently beaten Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final and maintaining an impressive record on their home pitch. Inter Milan, however, is looking for a boost after failing to score in their last three league matches and dropping from the top position in the Serie A standings.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. ET from Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona. According to the latest betting odds, Barcelona is favored to win at -160 on the money line, with Inter Milan listed as underdogs at +380. A draw is priced at +320, and the over/under for total goals scored is 3.5.
Sports expert Jon Eimer offers his predictions for this Champions League encounter:
Prediction 1: Raphinha to Score or Assist (-125)
Eimer`s first key pick is for Brazilian forward Raphinha to either score a goal or provide an assist. He highlights Raphinha`s increased importance due to Robert Lewandowski`s injury absence. Raphinha`s active performance in the recent Copa del Rey final suggests he has the potential to significantly impact the game, particularly against a potentially fatigued Inter defense.
Prediction 2: Barcelona to Score in Both Halves (+125)
Another prediction from Eimer is that Barcelona will find the net in both halves of the match. He bases this on the team`s recent scoring consistency, noting they have scored in multiple recent home fixtures under manager Hansi Flick, demonstrating their ability to maintain attacking pressure throughout the game.
Prediction 3: Barcelona Money Line (-150)
Eimer`s final pick is for Barcelona to win the match outright. This is supported by Barcelona`s formidable record of 15 consecutive home games across all competitions without defeat, contrasted with Inter`s recent offensive struggles, including being shut out in their last away fixture. While Inter will seek goals after a goalless streak, Eimer believes Barcelona`s attacking talent and current momentum, highlighting their creative players, will be too much for Inter`s defense to handle, despite their potential defensive capabilities.
Dominic Ashworth