On Wednesday, Barcelona and Inter Milan are set to clash in the initial match of their Champions League semifinal tie. Barcelona enters the game with momentum after recently securing the Copa del Rey title, keeping their hopes for a treble alive. In contrast, Inter is looking to bounce back from a Coppa Italia defeat and having dropped points in Serie A, losing their top position.
A significant concern for the Italian side is their recent performance across all competitions, where they have conceded five goals and failed to score any in their last three outings. Striker Marcus Thuram was absent from the starting lineup in these matches due to a minor injury, but he might recover in time to face Barcelona. His potential return would provide a much-needed boost. The partnership between Thuram and Lautaro Martinez is crucial; their dynamic movement not only creates space for each other but also pressures the opposition`s defense, given their potent finishing abilities.
Thuram participated in training on Tuesday and is now expected to start the match. His importance to Inter`s attacking structure means his likely inclusion in the XI, even if not fully fit, will undoubtedly lift the team, especially when facing a high-caliber opponent like Barcelona.
For Hansi Flick`s Barcelona squad, Robert Lewandowski will be unavailable due to injury. However, this doesn`t mean their attack lacks options. Ferran Torres is anticipated to lead the forward line, and his link-up play with Dani Olmo could pose problems for Inter. The wingers, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, are particularly capable of creating decisive moments. Raphinha has had an exceptional season, with a strong case for Ballon d`Or consideration, having contributed 30 goals and 23 assists for Barcelona across all competitions. Yamal, remarkably at just 17 years old, has also been prolific, tallying 14 goals and 24 assists this season.
Yamal`s production at his age is truly extraordinary, and he continues to show improvement. Lewandowski`s absence will certainly be felt, but considering Inter has allowed a considerable number of shots in the Champions League this season, Barcelona is likely to have scoring opportunities. A high-scoring game would generally favor the Spanish side, although Thuram`s potential participation could alter this dynamic slightly.
With the first leg being played in Spain, the pressure on Inter to halt their poor run of form will be intensified. Their defense will also be weakened by the absence of Benjamin Pavard. While Barcelona`s high defensive line might present some opportunities for Inter to exploit, it may not be sufficient for the Italian team to keep pace in the match.
Predicted Lineups
Barcelona XI: Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Gerard Martin, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Ferran Torres
Inter XI: Yann Sommer; Yann Bisseck, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrik Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram
