This week in Milan and Paris, the second legs of the UEFA Champions League semifinals will take place. The four remaining teams will fight for a spot in the final, as the intrigue in both ties remains finely balanced.
The Champions League action resumes on Tuesday with Barcelona visiting Inter. Following the dramatic first match, the aggregate score is level at 3-3. Lamine Yamal is expected to be a key player again, but the outcome of the tie may depend on player fitness. Robert Lewandowski has traveled with the team to Italy for the second leg, but his potential role in the game is unclear. For Inter, the decision on whether Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard will participate in the second leg will be made on matchday.
On Wednesday, Arsenal will host Paris Saint-Germain, attempting to come back from last week`s 1-0 defeat. PSG`s quick start in the first leg gave them an advantage heading into their home game. The Gunners will need to find a way to stop the seemingly unstoppable PSG side. Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are expected to be key attacking threats for the French champions, while Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard hope to have a strong match for Arsenal.
Inter vs. Barcelona Preview
Man of the Match: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona. The first match showed that this Spanish wonderkid is one of the brightest and most unpredictable players in the world. Yamal is already considered a contender for the 2025 Ballon d`Or, but much will depend on his performance in Milan. Can he deliver? Most likely, yes.
Best Bet: Barcelona to win. While Lautaro Martinez might return for Inter, Barcelona also received an important boost with Robert Lewandowski traveling with the team. Barcelona`s defense still has questions to answer, but given that the team often relies on their ability to outscore opponents, it`s hard to imagine Inter stopping a motivated Barcelona attack in a decisive match.
Prediction: Inter 1, Barcelona 2. Inter might have Marcus Thuram back, but without a fully fit Lautaro Martinez, their chances of advancing are reduced. Additionally, they face a Barcelona side led by Lamine Yamal, which seems like an unstoppable force, regardless of Robert Lewandowski`s participation.
PSG vs. Arsenal Preview
Man of the Match: Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG. The Italian goalkeeper has been incredible in the Champions League this season. His saves were crucial for Luis Enrique`s team reaching the semifinals. PSG needs the best version of Donnarumma to reach the club`s second ever Champions League final.
Best Bet: Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia each to have one or more shots on target. PSG holds a slight lead from the first leg, and while they don`t necessarily need to win, an early goal would significantly complicate things for a motivated Arsenal. If PSG scores, Dembele and Kvaratskhelia are likely to be involved, so betting on their shots on target at their home stadium makes perfect sense.
Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 2, Arsenal 1. Arsenal had good moments in the first leg and showed they won`t give up without a fight in Paris. However, this is a match for PSG to lose. They have a powerful press that makes it difficult for opponents to play, and this press creates attacking opportunities for Dembele and Kvaratskhelia. Expect them to showcase their strength in front of the home fans to secure a spot in their first Champions League final in five years.
