Marotta: ‘Inter and Barcelona deserve to be in the Champions League Final’ | OneFootball

Inter President Beppe Marotta said the showdown with Barcelona is ‘between two teams who frankly deserve to be in the Champions League Final,’ so this is seen as an early battle for the trophy.

It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT, 21.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The first leg ended 3-3 at Montjuic, so it is winner takes all at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, whether after 90 minutes, extra time or even penalties.

Emotional Inter at San Siro

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 03: A general view of the outside of the stadium prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Venezia at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 03, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) San Siro

“There are butterflies in the stomach. I always reached the Final before when going into a Champions League semi-final, so I hope that the pattern will repeat itself,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

Inter had been pushing for the Treble only a couple of weeks ago, but are now out of the Coppa Italia, second in Serie A three points behind Napoli, and in the running for the Champions League Final.

Nonetheless, this progress in Europe has been an economic boom for the squad built with easily the smallest budget of all the teams in the quarter-finals, let alone the semi-final.

“This is a very positive season, but first and foremost a football team must compete to win. We are still doing that. In terms of financial sustainability, this is certainly a rewarding campaign,” noted Marotta.

Inter and Barcelona eyes on Champions League trophy

BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 30: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale (obscured) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The winners will go on to face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League Final in Munich on May 31.

“There is great motivation, we are treating this like a Final, as the tie basically starts from 0-0 and there are no away goals rules. It is also between two teams who frankly deserve to be in the Champions League Final,” noted Marotta.

“Determination, quality and aggression will all be valuable elements in this match. We are there and have support from these incredible fans. These are unforgettable moments, not just for us, but for all of Italian football. We are proud to represent Italy in the primary club competition.”