Inter Milan is set to host Barcelona on Tuesday for the crucial second leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal tie at San Siro. The first leg, played on April 30 in Barcelona, ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, widely regarded as one of the most exciting matches in recent memory.
Both teams displayed impressive football in the first leg. Inter took an early 2-0 lead through Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries, before Barcelona`s Lamine Yamal pulled one back with a brilliant solo effort. Ferran Torres equalized for Barcelona before halftime, making it 2-2.
The second half was equally dramatic; Inter regained the lead through another Dumfries goal, only for a late Yann Sommer own goal, following a Raphinha strike, to bring Barcelona level at 3-3.
Despite the memorable first leg, both sides understand that winning the second leg in Milan is essential to advance to the final, scheduled for May 31 in Munich. The tie will be decided over at least 90 minutes at San Siro on Tuesday.
Last Meeting Before the First Leg
Prior to last week`s clash, the teams last met in the 2022-23 Champions League group stage, a season where Inter ultimately reached the final. Inter secured a 1-0 home win at San Siro with a goal from Hakan Çalhanoğlu. The return fixture at Camp Nou was a thrilling 3-3 draw. Goals from Nicolo Barella and Lautaro Martinez put Inter ahead after Ousmane Dembele`s opener, Robert Lewandowski scored a late equalizer, Robin Gosens briefly restored Inter`s lead, before Lewandowski leveled again in added time.
However, their most memorable meeting was arguably the 2010 Champions League semifinals.
The Road to the Semifinals
Both teams navigated challenging paths to reach the semifinals. In the league phase, Barcelona, coached by Hansi Flick, finished second with 19 points (six wins, one draw, one defeat). They defeated Benfica (4-1 on aggregate) before overcoming Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals.
Inter also had a strong league phase, finishing fourth with six wins, one draw, and one defeat. They progressed by beating Feyenoord in the Round of 16 and then surprisingly knocked out German giants Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals (4-3 on aggregate).
What Inter are saying
Inter manager Simone Inzaghi provided an update on his squad in the pre-match press conference: “Both Lautaro and Pavard are highly motivated, but we need to assess their condition. Lautaro has been sidelined for a week. We will decide tomorrow what the best course of action is. Tuesday`s match can be a turning point for us; it could take us to the final. We will approach it with determination, strength, and aggression. Playing in front of our supporters will provide an extra boost; it feels like a final for us.”
What Barcelona are saying
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick commented on Robert Lewandowski`s potential return: “I believe it might be better for Robert Lewandowski to begin the match on the bench following his injury, but he is prepared. We will see if he is able to start against Real Madrid [Note: This match is against Inter, the Real Madrid reference seems a potential error in the source quote or context]. When we began the season, no one anticipated what we would accomplish by this point. Our aim is to enjoy playing football and ensure our fans enjoy watching it.”
Predicted Lineups
Inter XI:
- Yann Sommer
- Yann Bisseck
- Francesco Acerbi
- Alessandro Bastoni
- Denzel Dumfries
- Nicolo Barella
- Hakan Calhanoglu
- Henrix Mkhitaryan
- Federico Dimarco
- Lautaro Martinez
- Marcus Thuram
FC Barcelona XI:
- Wojciech Szczesny
- Eric Garcia
- Ronald Araujo
- Pau Cubarsi
- Inigo Martinez
- Pedri
- Gavi
- Lamine Yamal
- Dani Olmo
- Raphinha
- Ferran Torres
Player to Watch
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona — The Spanish sensation delivered a remarkable performance in the first leg and continues to demonstrate why he is considered one of the world`s most exciting young talents and a potential future Ballon d`Or contender. His skill and impact in the first match were significant, and if he replicates that form in the second leg, Inter`s defense will face a major challenge containing him.
Storyline to Watch
Fitness of Key Players: Both managers, Inzaghi and Flick, face late decisions regarding player fitness. Inter captain Lautaro Martinez was substituted in the first leg due to a muscular injury but is reportedly making a surprisingly quick recovery, though his starting status remains uncertain. Defender Benjamin Pavard also missed training. Barcelona have injury concerns too, with Alejandro Balde not making the squad. However, Robert Lewandowski is expected to be available for Barcelona.
Prediction
The second leg in Milan is also expected to be a tightly contested affair, following the exciting 3-3 draw in the first match.
Prediction: Inter 2, Barcelona 2 (Inter win 5-4 on penalties).
