Another crucial week in European football culminates with the UEFA Champions League semifinals. The spotlight is on Milan this Tuesday as Barcelona visits Inter for the second leg. Both clubs are dealing with significant fitness issues ahead of this decisive encounter.
Inter Targets Upset, Awaiting Martinez and Pavard Status
Despite the first leg ending in a 3-3 draw and holding the home advantage for the return fixture, Simone Inzaghi`s Inter side is still labeled the underdog against Barcelona. While known for defensive solidity, this wasn`t on full display last week. Furthermore, Inter faces potential personnel shortages for Tuesday`s game.
Both Lautaro Martinez, who suffered a hamstring injury last week in Barcelona, and Benjamin Pavard, dealing with an ankle issue, are at risk of missing the match. Coach Inzaghi remained guarded about their availability on Monday, stating their status would be a gameday decision.
- Inzaghi: `We`ll decide tomorrow with the staff and the players. They`ll have to tell me how they feel. Pavard has good feelings, Lautaro hasn`t trained since the Barcelona match. Let`s see how he is today in training.`
This uncertainty places Marcus Thuram in a potentially central role for Inter`s strategy to reach the Champions League final, especially following his effective performance in the first leg. As Inter`s second-leading goalscorer this season with 18 goals across all competitions, he will be relied upon to exploit Barcelona`s somewhat vulnerable defense. Set pieces, proven effective with Denzel Dumfries` two goals last week, could also present key scoring opportunities. The big question remains whether this attacking approach will be sufficient to counter the strength of a Barcelona team spearheaded by Lamine Yamal.
Barcelona`s Treble Quest Continues Amidst Key Returns
Barcelona arrives in Milan at the beginning of a defining week for their treble aspirations. The Champions League semifinal against Inter is immediately followed by a critical El Clasico match in La Liga on Sunday. As things stand, their fate in securing potential trophies is largely within their control.
A significant boost for Barcelona is the return of Robert Lewandowski, who has traveled with the squad to Italy after several weeks on the sidelines. While his potential contribution against Inter is important, much of the attention remains on Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old, fresh from making his 100th appearance for Barcelona in the first leg, is rapidly emerging as Hansi Flick`s key player and is widely recognized as one of the most exciting rising talents in the game.
Inter coach Inzaghi acknowledged the difficulty of containing Yamal, indicating plans for additional defensive attention while joining the chorus of praise for the teenager.
- Inzaghi: `We have to try not to let him get the ball, but it`s impossible. Obviously, he`ll be double-marked, a player who will be closely watched, and we`ll try to pay attention to him. In person, he`s a tremendous talent; he`s truly dangerous and everyone gives him the ball. I was impressed by his quick thinking; he always knows what play to make.`
With Lewandowski potentially available alongside Yamal and Raphinha, Barcelona could field their full attacking prowess on Tuesday. The trio has collectively scored 86 goals across all competitions, excelling in an attack-first style that has often compensated for relatively frequent defensive lapses. Although the aggregate score is level, last week`s dominant performance suggests this tie is Barcelona`s to lose. Similar to their recent Copa del Rey final, the pressure is on them to rise to the occasion.
