Barcelona's journey in the Champions League reaches a critical juncture as they prepare to face Inter Milan in the second leg of the semi-finals on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Under the guidance of coach Hansi Flick, the Blaugrana have been gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying encounter in Milan. The stakes are high, with a spot in the final on the line, and both teams are poised for battle.
Flick has announced a squad of 23 players for the crucial match, showcasing a blend of experienced stars and emerging talents. Among the notable inclusions is the young midfielder Noah Darvich, who has found himself in an unusual position. Despite limited playing time with Barça Atlètic, which is currently struggling to avoid relegation, Flick has shown confidence in Darvich's abilities by selecting him for this high-stakes match.
"Noah's been working hard and has a lot of potential," Flick stated in a pre-match press conference. "We believe he can make a difference on the big stage, and this match is a perfect opportunity for him to showcase his talent." Darvich, who joined Barcelona last summer after captaining the German U17 team to victory in the Euro Cup, has only managed 736 minutes of play across 24 matches for Barça Atlètic, contributing two assists. However, his performances with the national team have been impressive, raising expectations for his role in the Champions League.
In addition to Darvich, the squad sees the return of star striker Robert Lewandowski. The Polish forward has recovered from a hamstring injury and is expected to play a crucial role in the second half. "Having Lewandowski back is a significant boost for us," said Flick. "His experience and goal-scoring ability can turn the tide in our favor."
However, the team faces challenges with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Alejandro Balde, Jules Kounde, Pablo Torre, Marc Casadó, and Marc Bernal will all miss the match, alongside goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who is not registered for the Champions League. This has led to increased scrutiny on the younger players stepping into the spotlight, such as Darvich and Landry Farré, who are both looking to make their mark.
As the match approaches, fans are buzzing with anticipation. Barcelona's predicted starting XI is set to feature Wojciech Szczesny in goal, with a defensive line of Eric García, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí, and Iñigo Martínez. The midfield will likely consist of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, while the attacking front includes young talents like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, alongside Ferran Torres.
Kick-off is scheduled for 9pm CET (Barcelona), 8pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), and 12.30am IST (India, Wednesday). As the players prepare to step onto the pitch, the atmosphere in Milan is electric, with supporters eager to witness a thrilling showdown.
Barcelona's recent form has been a mixed bag, but the team has shown resilience, particularly in high-pressure situations. The semi-finals of the Champions League are a stage where legends are made, and both Barcelona and Inter Milan will be looking to leave their mark. With the potential for dramatic twists and memorable moments, this match is shaping up to be one for the ages.
As the countdown to kick-off continues, fans are left wondering: can Barcelona overcome the odds and secure a place in the Champions League final? The answer will unfold in a matter of hours as the players take the field, ready to battle for glory.
