In a thrilling Champions League semifinal clash, Barcelona prepares to face Inter Milan in the second leg at the iconic San Siro on Tuesday night, May 6, 2025. The match comes on the heels of a dramatic first leg that ended in a nail-biting 3-3 draw at Camp Nou. With both teams eager to secure their place in the final, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has received a significant boost with the return of Robert Lewandowski, who has been declared fit to play after recovering from a hamstring injury. Lewandowski, the Polish international and Barcelona's leading scorer, missed the first leg due to the injury he sustained during a match against Celta Vigo last month. Despite his absence, the team managed to hold Inter Milan to a draw, showcasing their resilience.
“Everything goes in the right way and he is good, much better than we expected, and he is ready for the bench. So maybe when we need him, he can come in,” Flick stated during a press conference on May 5, 2025. Lewandowski has been a pivotal player for the Catalans this season, netting an impressive 40 goals across all competitions. His presence, even if only as a substitute, could prove crucial in the high-pressure environment of the San Siro.
Barcelona is on a quest for a historic quadruple this season, having already secured the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey, where they triumphed over Real Madrid with a 3-2 victory. Currently, they lead La Liga by four points with just four matches remaining, further emphasizing the importance of every game as they aim to secure multiple trophies in Flick's inaugural season as head coach.
In addition to Lewandowski, Barcelona will rely on the talents of their young star, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who has been making waves in the tournament. Yamal was instrumental in the first leg against Inter Milan, scoring a stunning goal and hitting the woodwork twice. His performance has drawn the attention of Inter's coach, Simone Inzaghi, who acknowledged that Yamal would receive “special attention” from the defenders.
“That just means we’ll have a player free. Lamine has shown that he can play against one, two or three defenders,” said fellow teammate Dani Olmo, emphasizing their confidence in Yamal's abilities. “We’ll help him if that is the case. Our ideas won’t change; if he has two or three markers on him, that means there will be other players free for us.”
Both teams head into this decisive match with momentum, having secured victories in their respective weekend fixtures. Barcelona defeated Real Valladolid, while Inter Milan triumphed over Verona. The anticipation is palpable as fans eagerly await the showdown, which promises to be a spectacle of skill and strategy.
The winner of this clash will advance to the Champions League final, set to take place in Munich later this month, where they will face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain. With both teams having shown their capabilities in the tournament, the final promises to be an exciting conclusion to the Champions League season.
Kick-off for the match is scheduled for 8 PM UK time, and fans can expect a thrilling encounter as Barcelona aims to leverage their attacking prowess against Inter Milan's sturdy defense. As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the excitement builds, with both teams determined to secure their place in history.
Barcelona's aspirations are clear: they are not just aiming for a single trophy but a historic quadruple. Flick's squad is brimming with talent and determination, and with Lewandowski's return, they feel more equipped than ever to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. The stage is set, and as the teams take to the pitch, the world of football will be watching closely.