Inter Milan secured a crucial 3-3 draw against FC Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal, despite the challenging task of containing young talent Lamine Yamal. This result, achieved away from home in Barcelona, keeps Simone Inzaghi`s side firmly in contention for a spot in the 2025 final in Munich. While their recent Serie A form has shown some inconsistency, Inter proved in the first leg that they possess the quality and resilience needed at this stage. It won`t be straightforward, but Inter has tangible reasons to believe they can overcome Barcelona and reach the final. Here are the key factors:
Inter`s Quality in Attack
Inter`s offensive capabilities pose significant threats to any opposition defense, as they have demonstrated throughout their European campaign this season, including against challenging teams like Bayern Munich earlier and most recently, Barcelona. In the first leg, they were clinical, scoring two initial goals and later adding a crucial third through Dutch winger Denzel Dumfries, who has a knack for impactful contributions.
The speed and effectiveness of Inter`s attacking transitions, often orchestrated by dynamic midfielders like Nicolò Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, created notable problems for Barcelona`s high defensive line when exposed. Inter will have further opportunities to score in the return leg at their home stadium and must convert these chances. A potential challenge is the likely absence of captain Lautaro Martinez due to injury sustained in the first leg, placing greater responsibility on strikers Mehdi Taremi and Marko Arnautovic to compensate for the loss of a key player.
Injuries Can Help the Nerazzurri
While Inter faces injury doubts concerning Lautaro Martinez and potentially Benjamin Pavard, Barcelona also has significant injury issues that could impact their performance. Key forward Robert Lewandowski remains a doubt for the second leg, and Jules Kounde`s recent injury further weakens a defensive unit that has looked vulnerable. Furthermore, Barcelona`s tight La Liga title race, with only a four-point lead and four games remaining, limits their ability to heavily rotate their squad in the domestic fixture preceding the Champions League tie. This contrasts with Inter`s situation and could mean Barcelona`s players have less recovery time ahead of what is arguably the biggest match of the season for both clubs.
The Last Dance?
There`s a palpable sense of motivation within the current Inter squad that this Champions League campaign could represent a “last dance” for several players. With plans for significant roster changes anticipated in the summer of 2025 under the new ownership aiming for a younger, yet competitive team, this iteration of the squad has a unique opportunity. Their collective experience, including reaching the Champions League final in 2023 and pushing Manchester City hard, fuels a strong desire to achieve silverware together. The chance to return to the final provides powerful motivation for a group that may see this as their culminating moment.
