The stage is set for the 2025 UEFA Champions League semifinals, featuring a highly anticipated first-leg clash between Barcelona and Inter Milan. Barcelona enters the match in excellent form, buoyed by their recent victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final and maintaining an formidable record at home. In contrast, Inter arrives needing a significant performance boost, having failed to score in their last three league outings and consequently dropping out of first place in Serie A.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. ET from Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona. According to the latest betting odds, the home side, Barcelona, is favored at -160 on the 90-minute money line. Inter Milan is listed as the underdog at +380, with a draw priced at +320. The over/under for total goals scored in the match is set at 3.5.
Expert Picks and Predictions
SportsLine soccer expert Jon Eimer has provided his analysis and betting picks for this Champions League encounter. Here are his predictions:
Raphinha: Score or Assist (-125)
With Barcelona`s main striker Robert Lewandowski currently sidelined by injury, the Brazilian forward Raphinha is expected to take on more offensive responsibility. He demonstrated his attacking threat in the recent Copa del Rey final, recording seven shots with three on target. Eimer suggests a similar level of effort against a potentially weary Inter defense could result in Raphinha either scoring or assisting a goal.
Barcelona to Score in Both Halves (+125)
Hansi Flick`s Barcelona squad has been consistent in front of goal lately, finding the net in two of their last three matches across all competitions and in three of their last four games played at home. Based on this trend, Eimer is backing Barcelona to score at least one goal in each half of Wednesday`s semifinal match.
Barcelona Money Line (-150)
Barcelona, often referred to as the Blaugrana, holds a strong advantage at home, currently undefeated in their last 15 matches across all competitions. Meanwhile, Inter was unable to score in their last away game against Bologna. Although the Nerazzurri will be motivated to find the back of the net after their recent goal drought, their defense will need to be exceptionally strong to contain Barcelona`s high-flying attack. Eimer commented on Barcelona`s strength: “Barcelona have some of the most creative midfielders and prolific strikers in the world right now… their momentum should be too much for anyone to stop right now.”
Benedict Kingsley 
Adrian Whitmore