FC Barcelona is set to host Inter Milan in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals on Wednesday. This comes just days after Hansi Flick`s side secured their second trophy of the 2024-25 season, defeating Carlo Ancelotti`s Real Madrid 3-2 in the Copa del Rey final. The Blaugrana remain contenders for a treble under the German coach, leading La Liga by four points over Real Madrid and reaching the final four of Europe`s premier tournament. Inter, conversely, has endured a difficult week, suffering three consecutive losses for the first time under Simone Inzaghi (two in Serie A against Bologna and AS Roma, plus elimination by city rivals AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semifinals). With four games left in Serie A, Inter is three points behind Antonio Conte`s Napoli, facing a high probability of finishing the season without silverware.
Spain recently experienced a significant power outage, impacting cities including Madrid and Barcelona and disrupting travel. As Inter prepares to fly to Spain on Tuesday, this situation recalls events from 2010 when volcanic ash from Iceland`s Eyjafjallajökull eruption grounded flights across Europe. The Barcelona team, then managed by Pep Guardiola, couldn`t fly to Milan for the first leg and had to travel approximately 1,000 kilometers by bus, a 14-hour journey over two days with an overnight stop in Cannes.
Match Details and Betting Odds
- Date: Wednesday, April 30
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: FC Barcelona -165; Draw +300; Inter +425
Last Meeting
Their most recent encounters were in the 2022-23 group stage, the season Inter went on to reach the final. Inter won the third matchday fixture 1-0 at San Siro. The return leg at Camp Nou was a thrilling 3-3 draw where Inter, for the first time in six visits, avoided defeat in Barcelona. Notably, they also met in the 2010 Champions League semifinals.
Road to the Semifinals
Barcelona had a strong group stage, finishing second with 19 points (six wins, one draw, one loss). They advanced by beating Benfica in the Round of 16 and Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals. Inter also performed well in their group, finishing fourth with six wins, one draw, and one loss. They progressed by defeating Feyenoord in the Round of 16 and overcoming German giants Bayern Munich 4-3 on aggregate in the quarterfinals.
Probable Starting Lineups
FC Barcelona XI: Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Ferran Torres.
Inter XI: Yann Sommer; Yann Bisseck, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrix Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Marko Arnautovic.
Player to Watch
Raphinha, FC Barcelona – The Brazilian winger has been exceptional this season, scoring 30 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions. He`s become a key player under Flick. If Barcelona wins the Champions League, and possibly the treble, Raphinha could emerge as a strong contender for the Ballon d`Or.
Storyline to Watch
Injuries affecting both teams – Both sides are dealing with significant injuries. Barcelona is without Alejandro Balde and, notably, striker Robert Lewandowski, though the latter is expected back for the second leg. Inter welcomes back Denzel Dumfries and Piotr Zielinski, while Marcus Thuram, who trained Tuesday, is doubtful for the start. Defender Benjamin Pavard is unavailable after an injury in Sunday`s loss to AS Roma.
Prediction
Inter is currently going through a difficult period, which Barcelona could potentially exploit. However, securing a win won`t be easy for Flick`s side, especially with the return leg in Milan next week.
Pick: Barcelona 2, Inter 1.
