It`s a pivotal week in European football as the UEFA Champions League semifinals reach their climax, starting with Barcelona`s visit to Milan on Tuesday. This significant week offers multiple ways to follow the action, including the game broadcast on CBS and Paramount+ and an alternative live stream hosted by David Beckham on Paramount+, available for both Champions League semifinals this week and the final. Pardeep Cattry brings you the latest.
Upcoming Matches
- Monday, May 5 (U.S./Eastern):
- Serie A: Genoa vs. AC Milan, 2:45 p.m. – Paramount+
- EPL: Crystal Palace vs. Nottingham Forest, 3 p.m. – USA Network
- Tuesday, May 6 (U.S./Eastern):
- UCL: Inter vs. Barcelona, 3 p.m. – CBS, Paramount+
- Open Cup: Tacoma Defiance vs. Portland Timbers, 10 p.m. – CBS Sports Network, Paramount+
Inter Aim for Upset, With or Without Key Players
Despite gaining some momentum and holding home-field advantage in the second leg following a drawn first leg, Inter Milan, managed by Simone Inzaghi, are still considered the underdogs against Barcelona. This assessment isn`t entirely unfounded; while Inter typically boasts a strong defense, this wasn`t evident in last week`s 3-3 draw. Furthermore, they face potential squad shortages for the upcoming match.
Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard are doubtful for Tuesday`s game due to injuries. Martinez picked up a hamstring issue in Barcelona last week, while Pavard has been dealing with an ankle injury for slightly longer. In his pre-match press conference on Monday, Inzaghi remained coy about their availability, stating their status would be a gameday decision.
Inzaghi: `We`ll decide tomorrow with the staff and the players. They`ll have to tell me how they feel. Pavard has good feelings, Lautaro hasn`t trained since the Barcelona match. Let`s see how he is today in training.`
This situation could place Marcus Thuram in a crucial role as Inter seeks to reach the Champions League final, particularly after his impressive performance in the first leg. Thuram is Inter`s second-highest scorer this season with 18 goals across all competitions and will be expected to exploit Barcelona`s occasionally vulnerable defense. Set pieces also present an important opportunity to score, as highlighted by Denzel Dumfries`s two goals last week. The major question, however, remains whether this will be sufficient to counter the formidable threat of a Barcelona side featuring Lamine Yamal, speaking of which…
Barcelona`s Treble Pursuit Continues
Barcelona arrives in Milan facing a crucial week for their treble ambitions. Not only is a spot in the Champions League final at stake in Tuesday`s match against Inter, but a critical El Clasico awaits them in La Liga on Sunday. Their destiny largely remains in their hands, especially in the Champions League, bolstered by the return of Robert Lewandowski who traveled to Italy after several weeks recovering.
While Lewandowski`s presence could significantly boost Barcelona if he can play a substantial role against Inter, Lamine Yamal is expected to remain a central figure. Following his impactful 100th appearance for Barcelona in last week`s first leg, the 17-year-old is increasingly becoming the focal point for Hansi Flick`s team, solidifyin his reputation as football`s most exciting emerging talent. Inter manager Inzaghi, tasked with limiting Yamal`s considerable skills, acknowledged the difficulty of this challenge. He mentioned adding defensive layers to contain the Barcelona youngster, joining the chorus of praise for the teenager.
Inzaghi: `We have to try not to let him get the ball, but it`s impossible. Obviously, he`ll be double-marked, a player who will be closely watched, and we`ll try to pay attention to him. In person, he`s a tremendous talent; he`s truly dangerous and everyone gives him the ball. I was impressed by his quick thinking; he always knows what play to make.`
With Lewandowski back in contention, Barcelona could field their full attacking force in Milan. The trio of Lewandowski, Yamal, and Raphinha alone have accumulated 86 goals across all competitions this season, showcasing an attacking-first approach that has helped them overcome relatively frequent defensive lapses. Although the aggregate score is level, last week`s dominant display suggests this tie is Barcelona`s to lose. Similar to last month`s Copa del Rey final, the pressure is on them to perform when it matters most.
Other Football News
- Players to watch: Key players who could influence the outcomes of this week`s Champions League semifinals.
- Bayern wins title: Bayern Munich secured the Bundesliga championship, ending Harry Kane`s long wait for a major club or country title.
- Ancelotti terms agreed: Real Madrid and Brazil have reportedly finalized terms for Carlo Ancelotti to take over the national team next year.
- Alexander-Arnold`s goodbye: Trent Alexander-Arnold announced his departure from Liverpool this summer, with a potential move to Real Madrid.
- McKennie`s new deal: Weston McKennie signed a contract extension with Juventus through the 2027-28 season.
- Messi scores, Miami win: Lionel Messi netted another impressive goal in Inter Miami`s 4-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls.
- MLS discovery rights, explained: An explanation of how MLS discovery rights function, relevant as Kevin de Bruyne considers a league move.
- Vardy blows whistle: Jamie Vardy of Leicester City used the referee`s whistle to signal for help after the official sustained an injury during a match against Southampton.
Betting Insights
- UEFA Champions League: winner
- THE PICK: Paris Saint-Germain to win the Champions League (+115) – Paris Saint-Germain is currently favored to win the Champions League, partly because they hold the only advantage heading into the second leg of the semifinals. However, this favorite status is well-deserved; since finding their form early in the year, they have outperformed teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Aston Villa en route to the semifinals. They also posed significant challenges for Arsenal in the first leg last week and possess a style of play that makes them incredibly difficult to defeat. There’s a strong argument that PSG are the team to beat at this stage, especially after overcoming early season difficulties.
For more expert picks, predictions, and betting news, explore CBSSports.com`s betting section.
What`s on CBS Sports Golazo Network
- Morning Footy (Weekdays 8-10 a.m.): The network`s flagship morning show offering highlights, interviews, and major soccer news. Also available as a podcast.
- Attacking Third (Tuesday, Thursday): A live studio show based on the leading women`s soccer podcast, covering the USWNT, NWSL, and European domestic seasons. Streams live on YouTube Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m. ET, with a Sunday wrap-up.
- Call it What You Want (Monday and Thursday): A weekly podcast discussing USMNT and the state of soccer in the United States with Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola. Streams live on YouTube every Monday at 1 p.m. ET and Thursday at 6 p.m. ET.
- Scoreline (Daily): The newest show for catching up on global football news, results, match highlights, and goals. Airs seven days a week.
- How to watch: CBS Sports Golazo Network is a free 24/7 channel dedicated to global soccer coverage. Stream for free on the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and Paramount+.
Adrian Whitmore