Barcelona is set to face Inter Milan on Wednesday in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal tie. Barcelona enters the match following a Copa del Rey victory, which keeps their hopes for a treble alive. Inter, conversely, is looking to bounce back after losing the Coppa Italia final and falling from the top spot in Serie A.
A key concern for the Italian squad is their recent form, having conceded five goals and scored none in their last three outings across all competitions. Striker Marcus Thuram missed these matches due to injury, but his potential return against Barcelona would be a significant lift. When paired with Lautaro Martinez, their combined movement effectively creates space and pressures opposing defenses with their finishing ability.
Thuram returned to training on Tuesday and is now anticipated to be in the starting lineup. His presence, even if not fully match-fit, is considered vital for Inter`s approach and would provide a needed boost, particularly when facing a high-caliber team like Barcelona.
For Barcelona, manager Hansi Flick will be without Robert Lewandowski due to injury. However, this doesn`t leave their attack devoid of options. Ferran Torres is likely to start as the main striker, and his link-up play with Dani Olmo could trouble Inter. The real threats are expected to come from the wings through Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Raphinha`s impressive season with 30 goals and 23 assists across competitions puts him in Ballon d`Or contention, while the 17-year-old Yamal is close behind with 14 goals and 24 assists.
Yamal`s statistics at his age are remarkable, and he continues to develop. While Lewandowski`s absence is a significant blow, Inter`s tendency to allow numerous shots in the Champions League this season suggests Barcelona will still have scoring opportunities. A high-scoring game would likely favor Barcelona, though Thuram`s availability could alter the dynamic.
Playing the first leg in Spain adds pressure on Inter to halt their negative trend. Their defense faces further challenges with Benjamin Pavard sidelined. Barcelona`s high defensive line might offer Inter some attacking chances, but it might not suffice for the Italian team to match Barcelona`s threat.
Predicted lineups
Barcelona XI: Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Pedri, Gavi, 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, Mehdi Taremi
How to watch FC Barcelona vs. Inter 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
