On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the football world will be watching as Inter Milan takes on FC Barcelona in a highly anticipated Champions League semi-final match at the iconic Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan. The first leg of this thrilling encounter ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, setting the stage for an electrifying rematch that promises to deliver more excitement and intensity.
Both teams have had their share of challenges leading up to this crucial match, with injuries and lineup changes stirring up speculation among fans and analysts alike. For Barcelona, the absence of key players Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde due to injuries is a significant blow. Meanwhile, Inter will be without Benjamin Pavard, Correa, and Carboni, further complicating their game plan.
One of the most talked-about aspects of the match is whether Barcelona’s star striker Robert Lewandowski will start from the beginning or come off the bench. After recovering from injury, Lewandowski is expected to be included in the squad but may not play the full match as coach Hansi Flick opts for caution. "We know what Lewy can do, but we need to be smart about his return," Flick stated during a press conference.
In the predicted lineups, Inter Milan is set to feature goalkeeper Sommer, with a defensive line of Bisseck, De Vrij, and Bastoni. Their midfield will include Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, and Dimarco, while the attacking duo will be Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram. On the other hand, Barcelona's lineup will see Wojciech Szczęsny in goal, with Araujo, Cubarsí, I. Martínez, and Martín forming the defense. The midfield will consist of De Jong, Pedri, and Olmo, while Raphinha, Yamal, and Ferran Torres will lead the attack.
Fans are particularly eager to see how young talent Lamine Yamal performs. The 17-year-old has been making waves in the league, and his standout performance in the first leg has made him a player to watch. "He’s a nightmare for defenders," said Inter's coach Simone Inzaghi, who acknowledged the need for his team to double-cover Yamal to mitigate his impact.
The stakes are high for both clubs. Barcelona last reached the Champions League final in 2015, where they defeated Juventus 3-1, while Inter has been waiting for a final appearance since their loss to Manchester City in 2023. The pressure is palpable, and both teams are keen to secure their place in the final.
As the match approaches, the excitement continues to build. Both teams have shown resilience and skill throughout the tournament, and with the first leg ending in a thrilling draw, fans can expect nothing less than a spectacular showdown. "We have 90 minutes to prove ourselves and earn a spot in the final. We’re ready for the challenge," said Flick, reflecting the determination of his squad.
In addition to the on-field action, the match will be officiated by Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, who has experience managing high-stakes games. With a track record of 21 yellow cards and one red card in six Champions League matches this season, his presence adds another layer of intensity to the encounter.
The match will kick off at 21:00 local time, and fans can catch the action live on Canal+ and CANAL+ Online. With both teams gearing up for what promises to be a memorable clash, the football community is eagerly awaiting the outcome that will determine who advances to the final in Munich.
In the lead-up to the match, both clubs have been preparing intensely, with Barcelona having arrived in Milan on May 5 and immediately hitting the training ground. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation, and with the stakes so high, every moment of the game will be critical.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the excitement is palpable. Will Barcelona’s experience and skill prevail, or will Inter Milan’s home advantage and determination carry them through to the final? One thing is for sure: this match is set to be a thrilling chapter in the storied rivalry between these two European giants.
With a place in the Champions League final on the line, both teams will leave everything on the pitch, making this one of the most anticipated matches of the season. Fans are already buzzing with predictions and hopes, and as the players take to the field, the world will be watching to see who emerges victorious.
