Inter Milan is set to host Barcelona in the crucial second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal at San Siro on Tuesday. Their first encounter on April 30th in Barcelona ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, a match packed with action and impressive football. The first leg saw quick goals from Inter`s Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries, before Barcelona`s rising star Lamine Yamal responded with a stunning solo effort. Ferran Torres equalized just before halftime, making it 2-2. The second half was equally dramatic: Dumfries scored again for Inter, only for a late own goal by Yann Sommer after a shot from Raphinha to bring Barcelona level at 3-3. Despite the exciting first leg, both teams must secure a victory in Milan to reach the final in Munich on May 31st. The tie will be decided over 90 minutes, or possibly more, before the other semifinal between PSG and Arsenal takes place on Wednesday.
How to watch Inter vs. Barcelona and odds
- Date: Tuesday, May 6
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: San Siro — Milan, Italy
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Inter +194; Draw +280; Barcelona +123
Recent Meetings
The teams previously met in the 2022-23 Champions League group stage. Inter won 1-0 at San Siro, while the return fixture at Camp Nou was a six-goal thriller ending 3-3. Notable goals were scored by Çalhanoğlu, Barella, Martinez, Lewandowski (twice), Gosens, and Dembele. Their most famous Champions League encounter remains the 2010 semifinal.
The Road to the Semifinals
Barcelona progressed from their group phase impressively, finishing second with 19 points (six wins, one draw, one loss). They eliminated Benfica (4-1 aggregate) before beating Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals. Inter also had a strong group stage, finishing fourth with six wins, one draw, and one loss away to Bayer Leverkusen. They overcame Feyenoord in the Round of 16 and defeated German giants Bayern Munich (4-3 aggregate) in the quarterfinals.
What Inter are saying
Inter manager Simone Inzaghi discussed the team`s readiness in his press conference. He mentioned evaluating the fitness of Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard, noting Martinez has been out for a week but is highly motivated for a potential return, though his starting status is uncertain. Pavard also missed training. Inzaghi described the match as a potential turning point leading to the final, emphasizing the team`s desire, strength, and aggression, and the boost from playing in front of their fans.
What Barcelona are saying
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick commented on Robert Lewandowski`s availability. While he believes starting him might be risky after injury, he confirmed the striker is ready. Flick also reflected on the team`s performance this season, stating that their current success was unexpected at the start and expressing a desire for the team and fans to enjoy the football.
Predicted Lineups
Inter XI: Yann Sommer; Yann Bisseck, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrix Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram.
FC Barcelona XI: Wojciech Szczesny, Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Ferran Torres.
Player to Watch
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona — The young Spanish sensation was outstanding in the first leg, reaffirming his status as a top talent and a potential Ballon d`Or candidate for 2025. His performance in the first leg seemed unstoppable, suggesting Inter defenders face a significant challenge containing his skill in the upcoming match.
Storyline to Watch
Will key strikers be fit? Both managers face decisions regarding striker fitness. Inter`s captain Lautaro Martinez, despite a muscular injury in the first leg, might make a surprisingly quick return, though his starting status is uncertain. French defender Benjamin Pavard also missed training, raising doubts about his availability. Barcelona also have injury concerns (Alejandro Balde), but their main striker, Robert Lewandowski, is confirmed available.
Prediction
The second leg in Milan is expected to be as tight as the 3-3 first leg. Prediction: Inter 2, Barcelona 2 (Inter win 5-4 after penalties).
