Inter Milan and Barcelona meet again tonight in what promises to be a blockbuster conclusion to their Champions League semi-final tie. After a chaotic 3-3 draw in the first leg, everything is left to play for in Milan, with both clubs dreaming of a return to European football’s biggest stage.
Inter Milan – Steel, structure, and San Siro dominance
Inter’s famed defensive resilience was pierced repeatedly in Barcelona last week, but Simone Inzaghi’s men still escaped with a draw and now return to their fortress.
Despite some recent domestic turbulence, Inter remain an imposing European force at San Siro, where they’ve won 12 of their last 15 in this competition. A deep, experienced squad knows what it takes to win on this stage and they’re just one big night away from another final appearance.
Barcelona – Flair, firepower, and fragile history on the road
Hansi Flick has brought swagger back to Barcelona, and his high-scoring side comes into the return leg in formidable form.
With Lamine Yamal and Raphinha lighting up defences across Europe, and key players returning from injury, the Blaugrana look more dangerous than they have in years. But a poor away record in semi-finals haunts them, especially in Italy, where past dreams have often crumbled.
Team News
Inter are sweating on Lautaro Martinez, who picked up a hamstring injury in the first leg. If he’s unavailable, Arnautovic or January arrival Mehdi Taremi could start up front with Marcus Thuram.
Benjamin Pavard is another doubt, while Hakan Calhanoglu returns to action after a domestic suspension. Inzaghi rotated heavily for Saturday’s narrow win over Verona, with several regulars including Dumfries, Mkhitaryan and Sommer expected to return.
Barcelona also made weekend changes, resting stars ahead of this showdown and a looming El Clasico.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen made his first post-injury appearance, while Lewandowski may return to the bench. First-choice full-backs Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde remain sidelined, but key midfielders Pedri and De Jong are available and expected to start alongside teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Predicted Line-ups
Inter Milan:
Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Arnautovic, Thuram
Barcelona:
Szczesny; Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martinez; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres
