Iran Superstar Expects “Difficult” Champions League Semi-Final Match For Both Inter Milan & Barcelona | OneFootball

Iran international Mehdi Taremi believes Inter Milan can give Barcelona a run for their money in tonight’s clash.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia via FCInterNews, the underperforming star admitted he expects a ‘difficult’ match for both teams.

It’s been 15 years since Barcelona and Inter last met this deep into a Champions League campaign.

While the Nerazzurri got the better of the Catalan giants at that time, they’ll need something special to progress now.

Indeed, Los Blaugranas are among Europe’s most in-form sides and have history on their side in this fixture.

Though winless in the last two meetings, Hansi Flick’s charges boast a significant advantage in overall H2H stakes.

Furthermore, Inter head into proceedings amid their roughest patch this season, having lost their last three matches.

However, Simone Inzaghi can draw confidence from welcoming two first-team stalwarts back from injuries.

In addition to Denzel Dumfries, Marcus Thuram is fit and ready after recovering from an adductor problem.

The Frenchman’s return nailed Taremi to the bench tonight.

Iran Star Mehdi Taremi Expects ‘Difficult’ Match for Both Barcelona & Inter Milan

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Mehdi Taremi of FC Internazionale reacts during during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 22, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Despite crediting Barcelona for their formidable form, Taremi believes Inter have what it takes to reach the final.

“Barcelona are one of the best teams in the world right now; we’ve prepared very well,” he said.

“It will be difficult for us, but also for them. We have a strategy that I think will work well tonight, and then we’ll see in the return leg.

“We have good energy, and we need to be ourselves. If we play the way we know how, I think we can achieve something.”

Furthermore, during an interview with InterTV via FCInterNews, Taremi hailed a healthy atmosphere in the locker room.

“We have good energy in the dressing room, we’re not worried about the recent results,” he stated.

“These things can happen, but we’ll fight until the end for the shirt.

“Tonight, we just need to be ourselves, that’s all. If we play the way we know how, it will be tough for them too.

“We need to be ourselves, our team has a solid defense and the ability to cause problems in attack.

“We’ll see what happens, but today is only the first leg, and it will be tough for them as well in Milan.”