Inter Milan played to a thrilling 3-3 draw against FC Barcelona at the Estadio Lluis Companys in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal. To have a realistic chance of reaching their second final in three seasons, they needed to effectively neutralize Barcelona, particularly the threat posed by Spanish phenom Lamine Yamal. While containing Yamal proved incredibly difficult, the Nerazzurri fought valiantly to secure this positive result to take back to Milan for the crucial second leg on Tuesday. Simone Inzaghi`s side demonstrated once again why they should not be underestimated and remain serious contenders, despite recent struggles in Serie A that saw them lose their league lead after consecutive losses. Advancing to the 2025 Champions League final in Munich on May 31st will be a tough task, but here are the key reasons why Inter has a genuine possibility:
Inter`s Quality in Attack
Inter has consistently shown their attacking prowess this season, capable of causing significant problems for any defense globally. They proved this against various European opponents, including Bayern Munich, and notably against FC Barcelona, where they scored two of their three goals in the first leg. Even after Barcelona`s comeback, which was partly inspired by Yamal`s outstanding play, Inter managed to find a crucial third goal through Dutch wing-back Denzel Dumfries, who also bagged a brace against Hansi Flick`s Bayern earlier this season. Inter`s sharp attacking transitions, often initiated by the excellent work of midfielders Nicolo Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, effectively exploited Barcelona`s high defensive line when it was left exposed. Inter will undoubtedly create more scoring opportunities in the home leg and must be clinical. This challenge is amplified by the potential absence of captain Lautaro Martinez, who left the first leg injured. Strikers Mehdi Taremi and Marko Arnautovic face the difficult task of stepping up to compensate for the possible loss of arguably Inter`s most important player.
Injuries Could Aid the Nerazzurri
While Inter might face concerns over Lautaro Martinez`s fitness and the potential unavailability of Benjamin Pavard for the second leg, Barcelona are grappling with significant injury issues that could prove decisive. The participation of Robert Lewandowski in the return fixture is still doubtful, and Jules Kounde`s recent injury further depletes their defensive options, a department that hasn`t been in its strongest form lately. Unlike Inter, who play Hellas Verona at home, Barcelona have a demanding away fixture at Real Valladolid on Saturday, just 72 hours before the Champions League tie. With only a four-point lead in La Liga with four games remaining, they have limited room to rest key players, potentially worsening their injury situation and fatigue ahead of what is likely the biggest match of the season for both clubs.
The Potential `Last Dance`?
There`s a distinct feeling, perhaps more so for this Inter squad than Barcelona`s younger core, that this season could represent a “last dance” for some key players. Significant changes are anticipated for the roster by the summer of 2025. This was hinted at by club president Giuseppe Marotta before the Barcelona semifinal, aligned with the new American owners, Oaktree`s, reported desire to lower the average age of the squad while maintaining competitiveness. This period feels like the closing chapter of a successful cycle for the current group. Their collective experience, particularly reaching the 2023 Champions League final where they narrowly lost to Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City, provides invaluable knowledge. The chance to return to the final offers powerful motivation for what might be an emotional final push for this particular iteration of the Inter squad.
