On Wednesday, Barcelona and Inter Milan are set to clash in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal tie. Barcelona comes into the match on a high note, having recently secured the Copa del Rey trophy and keeping their hopes for a treble alive. Inter, on the other hand, needs a strong performance to rebound after losing the Coppa Italia final and dropping points in Serie A, which saw them fall from the top spot.
A significant concern for the Italian side is their poor offensive form in the last three matches across all competitions, where they failed to score while conceding five goals. Star striker Marcus Thuram was absent for these games due to a knock, but his potential return for the Barcelona fixture would provide a vital boost. The dynamic partnership he forms with Lautaro Martinez is crucial, as their movement creates space for each other and poses a constant threat to opposing defenses with their finishing ability.
Thuram did participate in training on Tuesday and is now expected to feature in the starting lineup. His potential inclusion, even if he`s not at peak fitness, is seen as a major lift for the team, especially when facing a high-quality opponent like Barcelona.
For Barcelona, manager Hansi Flick will be without Robert Lewandowski, who is sidelined due to injury. However, the Catalan side possesses strong attacking alternatives. Ferran Torres is anticipated to lead the forward line, and his link-up play with Dani Olmo could trouble Inter`s defense. The real danger, however, might come from the flanks, manned by Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Raphinha has enjoyed a remarkable season, contributing 30 goals and 23 assists in all competitions for Barcelona, making a strong case for individual accolades. Remarkably, 17-year-old Yamal is not far behind, having registered 14 goals and 24 assists this season.
Yamal`s output at such a young age is truly extraordinary, and he continues to develop rapidly. While Lewandowski`s absence is a loss, Inter has shown vulnerability by allowing numerous shots in the Champions League this season, suggesting Barcelona will have opportunities to score. A high-scoring encounter would likely favor the Spanish side, but Thuram`s presence could slightly alter the dynamic.
With the first leg taking place in Spain, Inter faces increased pressure to snap their recent slump. Their defensive unit is further weakened by the absence of Benjamin Pavard. Barcelona`s strategy of maintaining a high defensive line could offer Inter some counter-attacking chances, but it remains questionable whether this will be sufficient for the Italian club to keep pace with the hosts.
Predicted Lineups
Barcelona XI:
- Wojciech Szczesny
- Jules Kounde
- Ronald Araujo
- Pau Cubarsi
- Inigo Martinez
- Pedri
- Gavi
- 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
- Mehdi Taremi
Match Details & Odds
- Date: Wednesday, April 30
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys – Barcelona, Spain
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: FC Barcelona -165; Draw +300; Inter +425
