The UEFA Champions League semifinals are reaching their climax this week, with significant ties wrapping up. One of the highly anticipated matches is the second leg between Barcelona and Inter Milan in Milan.
Inter`s Challenge and Injury Doubts
Despite the tie being level and playing at home in the second leg, Inter, led by Simone Inzaghi, are considered the underdogs against Barcelona. While known for defensive strength, Inter`s defense wasn`t fully evident in the thrilling 3-3 first leg draw, and they face potential squad issues for the return leg.
Key players Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard are doubts for Tuesday`s match due to injuries. Martinez sustained a hamstring issue in the first leg in Barcelona, while Pavard is dealing with an ankle problem that is slightly older. Coach Inzaghi was guarded about their availability in his pre-match comments on Monday, stating their status would be a game-day decision based on how the players feel.
- Inzaghi on fitness: “We will decide tomorrow with the staff and the players. They will have to tell me how they feel. Pavard has good feelings, Lautaro has not trained since the Barcelona match. Let`s see how he is today in training.”
This situation puts focus on Marcus Thuram to lead Inter`s attack, especially after his impactful performance in the first leg. As Inter`s second-highest goalscorer this season with 18 goals, Thuram will be crucial in attempting to exploit Barcelona`s defense. Set pieces, proven effective for Inter with Denzel Dumfries`s goals last week, could also be an important avenue for scoring. The major question remains whether Inter can overcome the strength of a Barcelona side featuring Lamine Yamal and potentially a returning Robert Lewandowski.
Barcelona`s Treble Push and Key Players
Barcelona face a pivotal week for their treble aspirations, with the Champions League semifinal against Inter determining their final spot, followed by a crucial El Clasico in La Liga on Sunday. Their destiny is still largely under their control, particularly in the Champions League tie, boosted by Robert Lewandowski`s inclusion in the squad traveling to Italy after several weeks sidelined with injury.
Although Lewandowski`s potential return is significant, much attention remains on the young Lamine Yamal. Fresh off an impactful performance in his 100th appearance for Barcelona in the first leg, the 17-year-old is becoming a central figure for Hansi Flick`s side and is widely recognized as one of football`s most exciting rising talents. Even Inter coach Inzaghi acknowledged the difficulty of containing him, planning defensive adjustments while praising the teenager.
- Inzaghi on Yamal: “We have to try not to let him get the ball, but it`s impossible. Obviously, he will be double-marked, a player who will be closely watched, and we will try to pay attention to him. In person, he is a tremendous talent; he is truly dangerous and everyone gives him the ball. I was impressed by his quick thinking; he always knows what play to make.”
With Lewandowski potentially available, Barcelona can field a formidable attack. The combined goal tally of players like Lewandowski, Yamal, and Raphinha this season highlights their offensive strength, an approach that often compensates for their occasionally exposed defense. Despite the aggregate score being level, Barcelona`s dominant spells in the first leg suggest this tie is theirs to control. Similar to their recent Copa del Rey final challenge, the onus is on Flick`s squad to rise to the occasion in this critical match.
