FC Barcelona is set to host Inter Milan in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Barcelona enters the match on strong form, having recently secured their second trophy of the 2024-25 season by defeating Real Madrid 3-2 in the Copa del Rey final. Under manager Hansi Flick, the Blaugrana remain in contention for a treble, currently leading La Liga by four points over Real Madrid and reaching the Champions League final four. In contrast, Inter has faced a difficult period, suffering three consecutive defeats under Simone Inzaghi – losses to Bologna and AS Roma in Serie A, and an elimination by rivals AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semifinals. With four Serie A games remaining, Inter is three points behind Napoli and faces the prospect of ending the season without silverware.
Recent events include a significant power outage across Spain on Monday, impacting travel and transportation just ahead of Inter`s planned flight. This situation evokes memories of the 2010 Champions League semifinals when volcanic ash from Iceland grounded flights, forcing Pep Guardiola`s Barcelona squad to undertake a lengthy 1,000km bus journey to Milan for the first leg, taking 14 hours over two days with a stop in Cannes.
Match Details and Odds
Here`s how to follow the match and the betting odds: The game is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30th, at 3 p.m. ET, taking place at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain. It will be available for live streaming on Paramount+. The current odds favor FC Barcelona at -165, with a draw at +300 and Inter at +425.
Last Meeting
The teams last met in the 2022-23 Champions League group stage, a season where Inter reached the final. Inter secured a 1-0 win at San Siro. The return leg at Camp Nou was a six-goal thriller ending 3-3. Goals were scored by Ousmane Dembélé, Nicolo Barella, Lautaro Martinez, Robert Lewandowski (twice), and Robin Gosens. This 3-3 draw marked the first time Inter avoided defeat at Barcelona on their sixth visit and only their second goals in their last five trips there. Notably, they also faced each other in the 2010 Champions League semifinals.
Road to the Semifinals
On their way to the semifinals, Barcelona finished second in their league phase group with 19 points, securing six wins, one draw (against Atalanta), and one defeat. They then eliminated Benfica (4-1 aggregate) before overcoming Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals. Inter`s journey saw them finish fourth in their group with six wins, one draw, and one loss (to Bayer Leverkusen). In the knockout rounds, they defeated Feyenoord before a notable 4-3 aggregate win against German giants Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals.
Predicted Lineups
Predicted starting lineups:
FC Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martinez; Pedri, Gavi; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres.
Inter XI: Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Arnautovic.
Player to Watch
Raphinha, FC Barcelona – The Brazilian winger has been in excellent form this season, contributing 30 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions. He has emerged as a key player under Flick and could be a contender for the Ballon d`Or if Barcelona achieves significant success like winning the Champions League or the treble.
Storyline to Watch
Injuries – Both teams are dealing with notable injuries. Barcelona will be without Alejandro Balde and, significantly, top striker Robert Lewandowski, although he is expected to return for the second leg. Inter welcomes back Denzel Dumfries and Piotr Zielinski. Marcus Thuram traveled with the squad after training but is a doubt for the start. Defender Benjamin Pavard is unavailable after an injury suffered in Inter`s recent loss to AS Roma.
Prediction
Given Inter`s recent struggles, FC Barcelona has an advantage in the first leg. However, securing a comfortable lead won`t be easy for Flick`s side, as they face a tough second leg in Milan.
Pick: Barcelona 2, Inter 1.
