Inter Milan secured a crucial 3-3 draw against FC Barcelona in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal, keeping their aspirations alive for a second final appearance in three seasons. While containing Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal proved challenging, Simone Inzaghi`s side demonstrated resilience and capability. Despite recent stumbles in Serie A that cost them the league lead, Inter remains a formidable contender and should not be underestimated. The journey to the 2025 final in Munich on May 31st is demanding, but here`s why Inter has a genuine chance to make it:
Inter`s Attacking Prowess
Inter has consistently shown their attack can trouble any opponent globally. This quality was evident throughout their European campaign, including their performance against Bayern Munich and their three-goal haul in the first leg against Barcelona`s high defensive line. Inter`s quick attacking transitions, often initiated by the excellent work of midfielders Nicolo Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, created significant problems for Barcelona`s exposed backline. While Barcelona`s Lamine Yamal delivered an outstanding performance, Inter still found ways to score, including Denzel Dumfries` third goal. Inter will need to be clinical with their chances in the home leg. The potential absence of captain Lautaro Martinez due to injury is a blow, placing greater responsibility on forwards like Mehdi Taremi and Marko Arnautovic to fill the void left by arguably Inter`s best player.
Injuries Impacting Barcelona
Although Inter has its own injury concerns with Lautaro Martinez and potentially Benjamin Pavard, Barcelona is also grappling with significant fitness issues. Robert Lewandowski`s availability for the return leg is still in doubt, and Jules Kounde recently joined the injury list, further weakening a defense that is not in its best phase. Unlike Inter, who face Hellas Verona at home, Barcelona has a challenging away fixture against Real Valladolid over the weekend with only a four-point lead in La Liga and four matches remaining. This pressure to secure points could limit their ability to rest key players ahead of Tuesday`s critical semifinal, potentially giving Inter a physical advantage.
A Potential “Last Dance”
There is a palpable feeling that, unlike Barcelona, this current Inter squad might be experiencing its “last dance” before potential significant changes. Club president Giuseppe Marotta has indicated that the roster could be drastically altered in the summer of 2025, driven by the new American owners, Oaktree, who aim to rejuvenate the team while maintaining competitiveness. This sense of an era nearing its end could serve as powerful motivation for the experienced core of the squad. Many of these players were part of the team that reached the 2023 Champions League final, only narrowly losing to Manchester City. The opportunity to return to the final could be the ultimate driving force for this group, knowing it might be their final chance together at this level.
