Heading into the crucial second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final against FC Barcelona, Inter Milan holds a valuable 3-3 draw from the first encounter at the Estadio Lluis Companys. While containing Barcelona`s attacking threats, including their talented youngster Lamine Yamal, proved challenging, Inter showed significant resilience to earn the parity. Despite recent inconsistent form in Serie A, which saw them lose their league lead, Simone Inzaghi`s side has consistently demonstrated in Europe why they should be considered genuine contenders. Reaching the 2025 final in Munich will be a tough task, but Inter possesses several key strengths that give them a realistic chance. Here`s a breakdown of the factors that could propel them forward:
Inter`s Potent Attack
Inter`s attacking capabilities have repeatedly troubled opponents throughout the season on the European stage, including against strong sides like Bayern Munich and, notably, in the first leg against Barcelona where they netted two early goals. Their ability to execute rapid attacking transitions, often initiated by the tireless work of midfielders such as Nicolo Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, effectively exploited the high defensive line employed by Barcelona in the initial match. Despite the potential absence of their captain and leading scorer, Lautaro Martinez, due to injury sustained in the first leg, other forwards like Mehdi Taremi and Marko Arnautovic will need to be clinical and take their chances in the return fixture.
Potential Injury Advantages
While Inter faces injury concerns of their own, including the potential unavailability of Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard, Barcelona`s squad is also dealing with significant fitness issues that could prove detrimental. Key attacker Robert Lewandowski is reportedly a doubt for the second leg, and defender Jules Kounde is the latest addition to a defensive roster that hasn`t looked entirely solid. Furthermore, Barcelona`s tight domestic title race, holding only a four-point lead in La Liga with four games left, means they may be less able to rest or rotate players in their weekend fixture compared to Inter, who face Hellas Verona. This could lead to Barcelona players being less fresh for the decisive European tie.
The `Last Dance` Motivation
For many members of the current Inter squad, there`s a growing sense that this season`s Champions League campaign could represent a final push together. With reports suggesting that the club`s new owners, Oaktree, plan significant roster changes, potentially aiming for a younger core by the summer of 2025, this experienced group might view this as their last realistic chance to win Europe`s top club prize together. This feeling of a potential “last dance” for a squad that reached the final just two years ago against Manchester City could provide immense motivation and a powerful psychological edge, pushing them to perform at their absolute best.
Benedict Kingsley