Barcelona is set to clash with Inter Milan in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal tie this Wednesday. Barcelona enters the match with momentum, having recently clinched the Copa del Rey and keeping their treble aspirations alive. Inter, meanwhile, needs to bounce back from a Coppa Italia defeat and losing their top position in Serie A.
A significant concern for the Italian side is their recent performance, marked by conceding five goals without scoring in their last three matches across all competitions. Striker Marcus Thuram was absent from these games due to injury but rejoined training on Tuesday and is expected to feature. His potential return is a crucial boost for Inter. The partnership between Thuram and Lautaro Martinez offers dynamic movement that creates space and keeps defenses on edge with their finishing ability.
Thuram`s return to training makes his start likely. Given his importance to Inter`s attack, even if not fully fit, his presence in the starting eleven would provide a morale and tactical lift, especially against a high-quality opponent like Barcelona.
Barcelona will be without Robert Lewandowski, sidelined by injury. Despite this, Hansi Flick`s attack remains potent. Ferran Torres is anticipated to lead the line, and his link-up play with Dani Olmo could trouble Inter. However, the main threats are likely to come from the wings via Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Raphinha is having a remarkable season, potentially even a Ballon d`Or contending one, with 30 goals and 23 assists for Barcelona across all competitions. The 17-year-old Yamal is also enjoying an outstanding season with 14 goals and 24 assists, showing incredible production and continuous growth at his age.
While Lewandowski`s absence is a notable miss, Inter`s tendency to allow numerous shots in the Champions League this season suggests Barcelona will find opportunities to score. A high-scoring game scenario would likely favor the Spanish side, although Thuram`s participation could shift the balance slightly for Inter.
With the opening leg hosted in Spain, Inter faces added pressure to halt their poor run of form. Their defense is further weakened by Benjamin Pavard`s confirmed absence. Barcelona`s high defensive line might present Inter with chances on the counter, but it remains questionable whether that will be sufficient for the Italian side to keep pace with Barcelona`s attack.
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
- 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
