The stage is set for the first leg of the 2025 UEFA Champions League semifinals, featuring a clash between Barcelona and Inter Milan on Wednesday. Barcelona is in strong form, riding high after their recent victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final and maintaining an impressive unbeaten record at home. In contrast, Inter Milan is looking for a boost, having failed to score in their last three league matches and consequently dropping from the top spot in the Serie A table.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. ET from Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona. The home side, Barcelona, enters the match as the favorite with money line odds of -160 for a win within 90 minutes. Inter Milan is listed as the underdog at +380, with a draw priced at +320. The over/under for total goals scored is set at 3.5. The game will be available for live streaming on Paramount+.
For insights before the game, let`s look at the predictions from SportsLine soccer expert Jon Eimer. Here are his picks for the Champions League semifinal match:
Prediction: Raphinha to score or assist
With Barcelona`s main striker, Robert Lewandowski, currently sidelined due to injury, more attacking responsibility falls on the Brazilian forward Raphinha. He was active in the recent Copa del Rey final, taking seven shots with three on target. A similar level of involvement could well lead to him contributing a goal or assist against a potentially fatigued Inter team.
Prediction: Barcelona to score in both halves
Hansi Flick`s squad has demonstrated their scoring ability, finding the net in two of their last three overall matches and in three of their last four games played on their home ground.
Prediction: Barcelona money line
Barcelona boasts an undefeated streak stretching across 15 consecutive home matches in all competitions. This contrasts sharply with Inter, who were kept scoreless in their most recent away fixture against Bologna. Inter will need to push for goals after their recent scoring drought, but their defense faces a significant challenge in containing a potent Barcelona attack. Eimer commented, “Barcelona have some of the most creative midfielders and prolific strikers in the world right now… While Inter`s defense can be good and I know Barcelona is probably tired, their momentum should be too much for anyone to stop right now.”
