Barcelona host Inter Milan in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys today, with both sides aiming to seize the advantage in a tie that could define their seasons.
Barcelona arrive in high spirits, having recently claimed the Copa del Rey title after a dramatic extra-time victory over Real Madrid. Hansi Flick’s side are also leading the La Liga title race and remain on course for a historic treble. Despite a grueling 120-minute cup final just days ago, Flick is expected to field the same starting eleven that triumphed in Seville, prioritizing continuity and momentum over rotation.
Inter Milan, meanwhile, are enduring a difficult patch. Simone Inzaghi’s men have lost their last three matches in all competitions and have slipped from the top of Serie A. They were also knocked out of the Coppa Italia by AC Milan. Inter’s last outing was a 1-0 defeat to AS Roma, and they travel to Barcelona hoping to reverse their fortunes and keep their European dream alive.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Barcelona
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Marc-André ter Stegen is available but unlikely to start; Wojciech Szczesny is set to continue in goal.
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Alejandro Balde remains sidelined, so Gerard Martín will continue at left-back.
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The expected back four: Koundé (RB), Cubarsí and Íñigo Martínez (CBs), Martín (LB).
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Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will form the double pivot in midfield, with Dani Olmo as the attacking midfielder.
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Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will provide width, while Ferran Torres leads the line in the absence of Robert Lewandowski.
Probable XI: Szczesny; Koundé, Cubarsí, Íñigo Martínez, Martín; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres.
Inter Milan
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Benjamin Pavard is a major doubt after a recent ankle injury, but Denzel Dumfries and Piotr Zielinski are available again.
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Alessandro Bastoni and Henrikh Mkhitaryan return from suspension.
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Marcus Thuram is expected to start up front after missing recent games.
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Inter will likely line up in a 3-5-2: Sommer in goal, a back three of Bisseck, Acerbi, and Bastoni; Dumfries and Dimarco as wing-backs; Barella, Calhanoglu, and Mkhitaryan in midfield; Lautaro Martínez and Thuram up front.
Probable XI: Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Lautaro Martínez, Thuram.
Key Stats
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Barcelona are unbeaten in six home games against Inter in the Champions League, winning five.
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The last meeting between the sides in Spain ended 3-3 in the 2022 group stage.
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Inter have failed to win any of their last ten matches in Spain (seven draws, three losses).
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Barcelona have lost just one of their last 28 matches in all competitions.
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Inter are unbeaten in their last six Champions League games, winning five.
Player to Watch
Raphinha
The Brazilian winger is enjoying a sensational campaign, with 12 goals and 7 assists in the Champions League this season. He averages a goal every 85 minutes in the competition and is a constant threat from the right flank. Inter’s defense will need to be at their best to contain his movement and creativity.
Barcelona vs Inter Milan Prediction
Barcelona are favorites at home, with the Opta supercomputer giving them a 55.2% chance of victory in the first leg. Inter’s recent struggles and Barcelona’s formidable home record in Europe point toward a strong performance from the hosts.
Barcelona 2-0 Inter Milan
Barcelona’s attacking quality and home advantage should see them take a significant lead to Milan for the second leg, but Inter’s experience means the tie remains open heading into next week.
Barcelona vs Inter Milan Live Stream
Watch online via NaijaSport247
