Inter Milan and Barcelona are heading for a Champions League semi-final second leg at San Siro on Tuesday after a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg in Spain. Both teams will be desperate to seize the moment and write a new chapter in their European histories.
First Leg Recap
The first leg at Montjuïc was a Champions League classic. Inter were 2-0 up inside 15 minutes with Marcus Thuram scoring the fastest-ever goal in a Champions League semi-final and Denzel Dumfries doubling the advantage from a set piece. Barcelona replied through 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who became the youngest scorer in a Champions League semi-final, and Ferran Torres. Dumfries restored Inter’s lead, but Raphinha’s crossbar-striking effort-deflecting in off Yann Sommer, ensured the tie remains level heading to Milan. Both teams showed attacking flair but also defensive vulnerabilities, particularly on set pieces for Barcelona and in open play for Inter.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Inter Milan
Out: Lautaro Martinez (hamstring), Benjamin Pavard (doubt)
Starting XI (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Arnautović, Thuram
Simone Inzaghi has to make at least one change, with Marko Arnautović likely to partner Marcus Thuram up front due to Lautaro Martinez’s injury. The rest of the starting XI should be the same as the first leg, with Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco as wing-backs and a midfield trio of Barella, Calhanoglu, and Mkhitaryan.
Barcelona
Out: Jules Kounde, Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, Alejandro Balde (out), Robert Lewandowski (bench option)
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Eric Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Ferran Torres. Flick will likely go 4-2-3-1 with Szczesny in goal and a back four of Eric Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez. De Jong and Pedri in midfield, Olmo behind Ferran Torres. Yamal and Raphinha on the wings, Lewandowski on the bench.
Key Stats
- 17 matches between Barcelona and Inter: 8 wins for Barça, 3 for Inter, 6 draws. Inter are unbeaten in the last 3, including the first leg.
- Inter are unbeaten in their last 15 Champions League home matches (12 wins, 3 draws), last losing at home in Europe in 2022.
- Barça have lost their last 4 Champions League semi-final away games.
- Inter have steadied after a domestic wobble, beating Verona 1-0 at the weekend. Barça are unbeaten in 2025 except for a single Champions League loss at Dortmund and are chasing a treble.
Players to Watch: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
The 17-year-old has 39 goal contributions this season and was the catalyst for Barça’s comeback in the first leg, earning praise as a “genius” from Hansi Flick. Marcus Thuram (Inter): Scored the fastest-ever UCL semi-final goal in the first leg and remains a key threat with Lautaro Martinez sidelined.
Tactical Focus
- Set Pieces: Barça struggled to defend set pieces in the first leg, conceding twice from dead-ball situations. Expect Inter to target this weakness again.
- Midfield Battle: Barella, Calhanoglu and Mkhitaryan’s ability to disrupt De Jong and Pedri will be key in dictating tempo.
- Wide Threats: Both teams have dynamic wide players-Dumfries and Dimarco for Inter; Yamal and Raphinha for Barça-who can create overloads and scoring chances.
Inter vs Barcelona Prediction
Inter’s home record and Barça’s away semi-final struggles make them slight favourites. But Barça’s attacking talent-especially Yamal’s game-breaking ability-means this could go either way.
Inter Milan 1-2 Barcelona
Inter vs Barcelona Live Stream
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