On the evening of May 6, 2025, football fans will be treated to a thrilling spectacle as Inter Milan hosts FC Barcelona at the iconic Stadio Giuseppe Meazza for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final. Following a dramatic first encounter that ended in a 3-3 draw, both teams are poised to battle for a coveted spot in the final.
The first leg, held in Barcelona, was nothing short of exhilarating, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess. Inter took the lead twice, only for Barcelona to respond each time, demonstrating their resilience and determination. Now, with everything on the line, the stakes are even higher as they clash once more.
Inter Milan, currently sitting second in Serie A, boasts an impressive record of 22 wins, 8 draws, and 5 losses this season. However, their recent form has been inconsistent, with two victories, one draw, and two losses in their last five matches. They managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory against Hellas Verona in their most recent outing, which has helped maintain their pursuit of the Serie A title, trailing just three points behind Napoli.
On the other hand, FC Barcelona leads La Liga, holding a four-point advantage over their arch-rivals, Real Madrid. The Catalans have been in formidable form, winning four of their last five league matches, including a 2-1 triumph against Real Valladolid. Barcelona's offensive capabilities have been on full display in the Champions League, where they eliminated Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals with a score of 5-3 and previously dispatched Benfica 4-1.
Wojciech Szczęsny, the Polish goalkeeper for Barcelona, is expected to play a pivotal role in the match. His experience at San Siro is noteworthy; having played 17 matches at the stadium for Arsenal, Roma, and Juventus, he has recorded 8 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses. Szczęsny's clean sheet against Inter in the 2022/2023 season, when Juventus won 1-0, adds to his credentials as a reliable presence in goal.
"He is a true expert at San Siro," noted Mundo Deportivo, highlighting Szczęsny's familiarity with the venue. His performance will be crucial not only for the match against Inter but also for his prospects in the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid, where he is also expected to start.
As both teams prepare for the clash, the predicted lineups suggest that Inter will feature Sommer, Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco, Lautaro, and Thuram. Barcelona is likely to field Szczęsny, Martin, Araujo, Martinez, Garcia, Olmo, De Jong, Pedri, Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Yamal.
The first leg's statistics reveal Barcelona's dominance in possession, holding 70% of the ball compared to Inter's 30%. The Catalans registered 5 shots on target, while Inter managed 4, showcasing the competitive nature of the encounter.
As the match approaches, betting odds suggest that Barcelona is slightly favored to advance. Odds for a Barcelona victory are listed at 2.15, while Inter's odds stand at 2.95. With both teams eager to secure their place in the final, fans can expect a nail-biting encounter filled with high stakes and intense action.
With the excitement building, all eyes will be on the San Siro as Inter Milan and FC Barcelona vie for a place in the Champions League final. Who will emerge victorious? Will Inter leverage their home advantage, or will Barcelona's attacking talent prove too much to handle?
As the clock ticks down to kickoff at 21:00 local time, the atmosphere in Milan is charged with anticipation. This clash is not just about a spot in the final; it's about pride, legacy, and the pursuit of European glory.
Fans can catch all the action live on Canal Plus Extra 1, ensuring that no moment of this high-stakes encounter is missed. With everything to play for, the stage is set for a spectacular showdown.
