In a thrilling encounter at San Siro, Inter Milan and Barcelona are set to face off in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. The first leg, played in Barcelona, ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, leaving both teams with everything to play for as they vie for a place in the final in Munich on May 31.
Inter comes into this match with renewed energy after a solid weekend victory over Verona, where they managed to rest key players ahead of this crucial clash. Coach Simone Inzaghi has confirmed that Lautaro Martinez has recovered from injury and is expected to start, adding much-needed firepower to the attack. The Nerazzurri are riding high on their home form, having not lost at San Siro in their last 15 Champions League matches, with 12 wins and 3 draws.
Barcelona, managed by Hans Flick, also arrives in Milan with confidence after a narrow victory against Real Valladolid, although they had to rely on several starters to avoid any surprises. However, the Catalans have shown vulnerabilities in defense, particularly in the first leg, where they struggled to contain Inter's attacking threats. The return of Robert Lewandowski to the squad is a boost, but he may not start due to fitness concerns.
With the stakes incredibly high, both teams are aware that a draw will lead to extra time, adding even more tension to an already charged atmosphere. The odds reflect this competitive balance; Inter's victory in 90 minutes is priced at 2.95, while Barcelona's win is slightly favored at 2.21, with a draw sitting at 3.85. Betting markets also suggest a high-scoring affair, with over 2.5 goals estimated at 1.41, reflecting the attacking prowess both teams possess.
The first leg was a showcase of attacking football, with both teams displaying their talents. Inter managed to capitalize on set pieces and exploit spaces left by the Barcelona defense, while Barcelona showed flashes of brilliance through individual performances. The match featured stunning goals, including a brace from Inter's Denzel Dumfries, who has proven to be a key player for the Nerazzurri.
Barcelona's attacking line, led by talents like Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, has been prolific this season, scoring a remarkable 40 goals in the Champions League alone. However, their defensive frailties could be their undoing in this high-pressure situation. The odds suggest that both teams scoring is a likely outcome, priced at 1.35-1.40, indicating confidence in the attacking capabilities of both sides.
As the teams prepare for the match, the atmosphere in Milan is electric. San Siro is expected to generate a record revenue of 13 million euros, underscoring the significance of this fixture not just for the teams but for the city and its passionate football fans. Inzaghi's tactical approach will be crucial; he aims to stifle Barcelona's creative players while utilizing the speed of his own wingers to counter-attack effectively.
In terms of lineups, Inter is expected to field a strong team with Sommer in goal, supported by a back three of Bisseck, Acerbi, and Bastoni. The midfield will feature Barella and Çalhanoğlu, while the attacking trio includes Martinez, Thuram, and Dumfries. Barcelona, on the other hand, is likely to start Szczęsny in goal, with a defensive line including Eric García and Iñigo Martínez. The midfield will be anchored by De Jong and Pedri, with Yamal, Olmo, and Raphinha supporting Torres in attack.
The match promises to be a spectacle, with both teams aware of the implications of their performance. Inter will look to leverage their home advantage, while Barcelona will aim to assert their dominance in European football. With everything on the line, fans can expect an intense and unpredictable clash.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, the excitement builds. Who will emerge victorious and secure their place in the Champions League final? Will it be Inter, with their home crowd behind them, or Barcelona, looking to capitalize on their experience and attacking flair? One thing is for sure: this match will be one for the history books.
