Barcelona is set to host Inter Milan in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night, April 30, 2025. The match will take place at the "Olimpic Lluis Companys" starting at 21:00 PM, and promises to be an exciting encounter between two European heavyweights.
Fresh off a thrilling 5-3 aggregate victory over Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals, Barcelona enters this match with a wave of confidence. They secured their spot in the semi-finals with a commanding 4-0 win at home in the first leg against Dortmund, showcasing their attacking prowess. Recently, they also triumphed over their bitter rivals, Real Madrid, in a five-goal Copa del Rey final, winning 3-2. Under the management of Hansi Flick, Barcelona has averaged over three goals per game in European competitions, making them a formidable opponent.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan comes into this match under less favorable circumstances. Despite overcoming Bayern Munich 4-3 on aggregate in their quarter-final tie, the Italian side has struggled recently, suffering three consecutive defeats across all competitions. Coach Simone Inzaghi will be hoping to turn things around against Barcelona, as his team looks to regain its momentum.
Barcelona's squad will be missing key players for this encounter. Star striker Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde have not recovered from their respective injuries and will not participate in the first leg. However, Wojciech Szczesny will start in goal, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen available but not starting due to his recent recovery from a serious knee injury.
On the other hand, Inter's Benjamin Pavard is set to miss the tie after suffering a sprained ankle in a recent loss to AS Roma. The good news for Inter fans is that Marcus Thuram is back in the squad after missing three matches due to an adductor problem, and Denzel Dumfries is also available for selection for the first time since late March after recovering from a hamstring injury.
In terms of tactics, Barcelona is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring Wojciech Szczesny in goal, supported by a backline of Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, and Gerard Martin. The midfield duo of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will look to control the game, while the attacking trio of Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Raphinha, along with Ferran Torres, will aim to break down Inter's defense.
Inter Milan, on the other hand, is predicted to set up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Yann Sommer in goal. The defense will consist of Stefan De Vrij, Francesco Acerbi, and Alessandro Bastoni. The midfield will see Matteo Darmian, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Hakan Calhanoglu, Nicolo Barella, and Federico Dimarco, while Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram will lead the attack.
Key players to watch in this match include Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, who has been a revelation this season. The 17-year-old has scored four goals and provided four assists in the Champions League, and his dynamic play could pose a significant threat to Inter's defense. Yamal's partnership with Raphinha has been particularly fruitful, as they have combined for numerous goals in the competition.
For Inter, Lautaro Martinez is a player to keep an eye on. The Argentine striker has found the net in five consecutive Champions League fixtures and has surpassed 20 career goals in UEFA’s premier competition. His clinical finishing and ability to exploit spaces will be crucial for Inter as they look to capitalize on any defensive lapses from Barcelona.
The midfield battle will be another focal point of the match. Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will look to dominate possession for Barcelona, while Nicolo Barella will be tasked with disrupting their rhythm. Barella, known for his aggressive style and ability to press, will need to be at his best to contain Barcelona’s attacking threats.
Disciplinary issues could also play a role in this match. Both Frenkie de Jong and Nicolo Barella are strong candidates for bookings due to their roles in midfield. De Jong's defensive responsibilities against Inter's physical midfielders could lead to cautions, while Barella's combative nature means he is often involved in challenges that could see him penalized.
As the match approaches, the anticipation is building. Barcelona's home form has been exceptional, with the team not having lost at Montjuic in 14 consecutive matches across all competitions. This makes them a daunting opponent for any visiting team, especially one like Inter, who are struggling for form.
With everything on the line in this semi-final tie, both teams will be eager to secure a strong first-leg result. Barcelona will look to leverage their attacking firepower, while Inter will aim to find a way to disrupt their rhythm and capitalize on any mistakes. Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere as these two giants of European football clash in what promises to be a memorable encounter.
As the kickoff approaches, the stakes couldn't be higher. Will Barcelona continue their impressive run, or can Inter pull off an upset on the road? The answer awaits as the teams take to the field.
