The stage is all set! Spanish team Barcelona are ready to welcome Inter Milan tomorrow in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal. This season has been a solid one for Barcelona, winning against Real Madrid three times in a single season. Moreover, the Catalan side just won the Copa Del Rey after a thrilling game against Real Madrid. They are also close to winning the league title, having four points ahead of the Los Blancos.
Barcelona have a great chance to win the UEFA Champions League after a long time. Barca boss Hansi Flick is very determined and does not want to miss the chance to play in the Champions League final. Ahead of the first leg of the semifinal, Hansi Flick said, “It’s the semi-finals of the Champions League and both teams want to get through. We are two games away from the final and we can’t be tired. Everyone is focused knows how important this semi-final is. The Copa del Rey final was demanding for us, it’s true but the victory can help us. We have to give 100%.”
Meanwhile, Inter Milan are also in a good rhythm and can be a great threat to Barcelona. The Italian side defeated Bayern Munich in the quarterfinal to reach the last 4. However, Inter Milan suffered a heavy defeat against their city rival, AC Milan, just before the game against Barcelona. Last week, AC Milan secured a dominating 3-0 win over Inter Milan.
Stats & Facts
- Barcelona and Inter have met 16 times in Europe, with Barcelona winning 8 but going winless in their last two clashes.
- This is only the second time they meet in the knockout stage, the first being Inter’s 3-2 semi-final win in 2009-10.
- Barcelona are unbeaten in six home games against Inter in the Champions League, winning five and drawing one.
- Barcelona have won all six home games this UCL season, scoring 21 goals — their second-best home tally ever.
- Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona averaged 3.1 goals per UCL game, just behind Bayern’s 3.2 during his time there.
Team News
Prominent striker Robert Lewandowski is still out of the squad due to his hamstring injury. So, Ferran Torres will play as the center forward along with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Marc Bernal and Marc Casado are also unavailable due to their knee injury, while Alejandro Balde has returned from injury and is ready to play against Inter Milan.
As for Inter, Lautaro Martinez will lead the frontline. He is in great form and has scored in all five of his Champions League games for the Azzurri. Although Alessandro Bastoni and Henrikh Mkhitaryan served a one-game ban in the Serie A, they are eligible to return to the starting XI in the UCL against Barcelona.
Possible Lineup for Barcelona:
Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Martin; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres
Possible Lineup for Inter Milan:
Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Thuram
Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Inter Milan
Barca has been flying this season under Hansi Flick. They are one of the favorite candidates for the Champions League. With great momentum, the Catalan club is the favorite in the first leg against Inter Milan.
Inter, on the other hand, have lost three successive matches after eliminating Bayern Munich in the Champions League. As a result, we expect Barcelona to win the match.
Betfair Odds
Barcelona: 1.63
Draw: 4.25
Inter Milan: 5.07
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