Inter Milan and FC Barcelona face off in the highly anticipated second leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal at the San Siro on Tuesday. This follows a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg held in Barcelona, a result that suggested Inter, despite recent poor form in Serie A, has a genuine chance of reaching the final. The following day, Wednesday, sees Paris Saint-Germain host Arsenal in Paris for their second leg, with PSG holding a 1-0 advantage from the first match in London.
For Simone Inzaghi`s Inter, reaching the Champions League final represents their best opportunity for silverware this season. Standing in their way is a formidable FC Barcelona side led by Hansi Flick, who have demonstrated they are among Europe`s elite. Barcelona were, at the time, in contention for a treble, having already secured the Copa del Rey against Real Madrid and held a significant lead in the league. The upcoming match against Inter was seen as pivotal for their season. Similarly, PSG and Arsenal are aiming for a historic qualification to the final. The performance of a single key player in each team could prove decisive in these crucial second-leg encounters.
Marcus Thuram, Inter
Marcus Thuram proved his importance for Inter in the first leg against Barcelona, netting the opening goal just 30 seconds in – a record for the fastest semifinal goal in Champions League history. Having returned from a two-week muscular injury layoff just before the match, Thuram immediately showcased his crucial role in Inter`s attack and his partnership with Lautaro Martinez. With Lautaro Martinez potentially sidelined due to a muscular issue sustained in the first leg, Thuram`s contribution becomes even more vital for Inzaghi`s team. If Inter hopes to reach their second Champions League final in three seasons (following their 2023 loss to Manchester City), a top performance from Thuram, who was enjoying one of his best seasons with 14 goals and 7 assists at that point, is essential.
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona
While perhaps evident, Barcelona`s chances in the second leg are heavily reliant on their pivotal player, Lamine Yamal. The Spanish winger delivered an exceptional performance in the first leg, a match that also coincided with his 100th appearance for the club. He scored a remarkable goal in that game, helping his team recover after conceding twice. With Robert Lewandowski`s starting status uncertain, much of the attacking burden would fall on Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Having already contributed 15 goals and 24 assists that season, Barcelona`s success seemed inextricably linked to their most gifted player on the roster.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG
Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG`s Italian goalkeeper, has been a standout performer throughout the Champions League campaign. The former AC Milan player made crucial saves in the Round of 16 against Liverpool and later against Aston Villa, particularly impressing in the second leg in England. He then delivered another stellar display in the first leg versus Arsenal, reaffirming his status as one of Europe`s top goalkeepers. PSG is still seeking its inaugural Champions League title, having lost the 2020 final to Bayern Munich, and their aspirations heavily rely on the performance of their starting keeper, who has been exceptional this season.
Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, experienced a disappointing 1-0 defeat to PSG in the first leg held in London. However, the English club still has the opportunity to mount a comeback in the return fixture. A significant factor will be the display of their key player, Martin Ødegaard. The Norwegian attacking midfielder possesses the creativity required to spearhead the team`s attack. Having already scored three goals in the Champions League that season, he is looked upon to lead the side on Wednesday, supported by players like Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.
Adrian Whitmore