The UEFA Champions League semifinals conclude this week following thrilling first-leg encounters. All four remaining teams are now just one step away from securing a place in the final on May 31st.
Tuesday sees the second leg commence in Milan as Inter welcomes Barcelona. Their initial encounter ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw. Inter, led by Simone Inzaghi, showed renewed attacking prowess in the first leg, ending a tough spell and finding the net multiple times, including two goals from Denzel Dumfries via set pieces. This offensive output was notable given Barcelona`s strong attack, spearheaded by a remarkable display from 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who reached his 100th club appearance.
Wednesday`s match takes place in Paris, where Paris Saint-Germain holds a narrow 1-0 lead over Arsenal. Luis Enrique`s team capitalized on Arsenal`s slow start in the first leg in London, scoring through Ousmane Dembele just four minutes into the game. The rest of the match highlighted the tactical adaptability of both teams. PSG, in particular, demonstrated resilience by effectively soaking up Arsenal`s late pressure while also benefiting from the London side`s failure to convert chances.
Key Storylines for the Second Legs
Can Inter Secure a Spot in the Final?
Inter`s performance in the first leg, despite recent form struggles, suggested they have the capability to challenge Barcelona. The question remains whether they can replicate that scoring ability in front of their home crowd with a place in the Champions League final at stake. Facing a Barcelona side focused on attack, Inter might find opportunities against their opponent`s occasionally shaky defense. Inter`s clinical finishing, particularly from set pieces (as seen with Dumfries` goals) and the return of players like Marcus Thuram, were positive signs from the first leg. However, despite recent wins, advancing won`t be easy. Barcelona boasts dangerous attacking talent like Lamine Yamal, and Inter faces potential challenges, including the possible absence of leading scorer Lautaro Martinez due to injury sustained in the first leg. Overcoming these hurdles will be crucial for Inter.
Can Arsenal Overturn the Deficit?
Arsenal remains in contention against PSG, but their vulnerable opening minutes in the first leg highlight the threat posed by the French champions` intense press. Manager Mikel Arteta must devise a strategy to counter this early pressure. The latter part of the first leg offered hope, with Arsenal creating chances but failing to convert them – a recurring issue pointing to the team`s need for a decisive goalscorer. Capitalizing on opportunities is essential when trailing in a tie. Meanwhile, PSG possesses significant attacking threats of their own, including Ousmane Dembele, who is having his best goalscoring season. While the tie is finely balanced, the onus is on Arsenal to find the goals needed to advance while containing PSG`s offensive power.
Dominic Ashworth