FC Barcelona is set to host Inter Milan on Wednesday for the initial match of their UEFA Champions League semifinal tie. This follows Barcelona`s recent success under coach Hansi Flick, where they secured their second title of the 2024-25 season by defeating Carlo Ancelotti`s Real Madrid 3-2 in the Copa del Rey final. The Blaugrana remain in contention for a potential treble this season, leading the La Liga standings by four points over Real Madrid and holding a spot among the elite teams in Europe`s premier club competition. In contrast, Inter has faced a challenging period, suffering three consecutive defeats for the first time under manager Simone Inzaghi – losing to Bologna and AS Roma in Serie A and being eliminated by city rivals AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semifinals. Inter is currently three points adrift of Antonio Conte`s Napoli in Serie A with just four matches remaining, significantly reducing their chances of ending the season with silverware.
Earlier in the week, Spain experienced a widespread power outage affecting cities including Barcelona. This incident recalls a notable travel disruption in 2010 when the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland grounded flights across Europe. During that time, the Barcelona squad, then managed by Pep Guardiola, was compelled to undertake a challenging bus journey of roughly 1,000 kilometers over two days, including an overnight stop, to reach Milan for their Champions League fixture.
Match Information
- Location: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys– Barcelona, Spain
- Live stream: Paramount+
Recent Encounters
The last time these two clubs met was in the group stage during the 2022-23 season, which saw Inter eventually reach the final. Inter secured a 1-0 victory at home in the first match. The return fixture at the Camp Nou was a thrilling 3-3 draw. Barcelona`s Ousmane Dembélé opened the scoring, but Inter responded with goals from Nicolo Barella and Lautaro Martinez. Robert Lewandowski leveled for Barcelona, only for Robin Gosens to restore Inter`s lead in the 89th minute, before Lewandowski scored again in added time to snatch a point. This draw marked the first time Inter had avoided defeat in Barcelona across six visits. The teams also notably clashed in the 2010 Champions League semifinals.
Journey to the Semifinals
Barcelona demonstrated strong form in the league phase, finishing second in their group with 19 points from eight games (six wins, one draw, one defeat). They advanced by defeating Benfica 4-1 on aggregate before overcoming Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals. Inter also had a successful group stage, finishing fourth with six wins, one draw, and a single loss. They progressed by beating Feyenoord in the round of 16 and subsequently eliminated German powerhouse Bayern Munich with a 4-3 aggregate victory in the quarterfinals.
Predicted Lineups
FC Barcelona probable XI: Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Ferran Torres.
Inter probable XI: Yann Sommer; Yann Bisseck, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrix Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Marko Arnautovic.
Player Spotlight
Raphinha, FC Barcelona — The Brazilian winger has been a standout performer this season, scoring 30 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions. His significant contribution makes him one of the key players under Flick`s management. His performance, especially if Barcelona succeeds in the Champions League or achieves the treble, could position him as a strong contender for the Ballon d`Or award this year.
Key Storyline: Injury Updates
Both teams are facing challenges due to significant injuries. Barcelona will be without Alejandro Balde and, importantly, forward Robert Lewandowski, although the latter is expected to return for the second leg in Milan. Inter sees the return of Denzel Dumfries and Piotr Zielinski. Marcus Thuram trained recently and traveled with the squad, but his inclusion in the starting lineup remains questionable. French defender Benjamin Pavard is unavailable for Wednesday`s match, having sustained an injury in Inter`s recent loss to AS Roma.
Match Prediction
Inter`s current dip in form gives FC Barcelona a potential advantage in this tie. However, it will not be an easy task for Flick`s team, especially with the return leg taking place in Milan next week. The first leg result will be crucial. Our Prediction: Barcelona 2, Inter 1.
Benedict Kingsley