Following exciting first leg encounters, the UEFA Champions League semifinals reach their conclusion this week, with a spot in the final on May 31st within reach for the four remaining contenders.
This week`s action begins Tuesday in Milan, where Inter hosts Barcelona after their thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg. Simone Inzaghi`s side ended a three-game losing and goalless streak by scoring multiple goals in Barcelona, including two set-piece goals from Denzel Dumfries. This was an impressive showing against Hansi Flick`s attack-focused team, highlighted by another standout performance from 17-year-old Lamine Yamal in his 100th club match.
On Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain returns home holding a 1-0 advantage over Arsenal. Luis Enrique`s team capitalized on the Gunners` poor start in London last week, scoring the only goal through Ousmane Dembele just four minutes in. The match later showcased tactical depth from both sides, particularly PSG, who successfully absorbed Arsenal`s late pressure, benefiting also from the Gunners` inaccurate finishing.
First Leg Results
- Arsenal 0, Paris Saint-Germain 1
- Barcelona 3, Inter 3
Storylines for the Semifinals
1. Can Inter seal qualification?
Although Inter entered the semifinals` first leg struggling, their performance in Barcelona last week and the upcoming home game offer hope. The key question is whether their scoring ability from the first leg can be repeated with a final spot at stake. Inter might target Barcelona`s shaky defense and error-prone goalkeeper, despite Barcelona`s attack-first strategy and recent strong play. Inter benefited from Marcus Thuram`s return and were clinical on set pieces, strategies they might reuse.
Despite recent wins and a finely balanced tie, Inter might still be considered underdogs. Barcelona`s attack is formidable, led by rising talent Yamal. Inter might also miss top scorer Lautaro Martinez due to injury from the first leg. The scoreline is level, but advancing could still be challenging for Inter.
2. Can Arsenal mount a comeback?
Arsenal remain competitive in their tie against PSG, but the first 20 minutes of the opening leg showed their vulnerability to the French champions` effective press. Manager Mikel Arteta faces the challenge of counteracting this. Clues might be found in the later stages of the first leg, where Arsenal built momentum but wasted chances that could have leveled the score. While improving finishing is possible, the match highlighted the team`s season-long need for a dedicated goalscorer. In a tie requiring at least one goal, addressing this is crucial while managing a PSG side also seeking goals. Ousmane Dembele is having a great scoring season, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is proving highly influential. This tie could still go either way, placing significant pressure on Arsenal to perform.
