Champions League Preview: Barcelona vs Inter – Team News, Line-ups & Prediction | OneFootball

Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys forms the backdrop for the first leg of Inter Milan’s Champions League semi-final tie against Barcelona. Wednesday’s clash in Catalonia finds two sides in different mental and fitness conditions, favoring the home team.

Simone Inzaghi seemed on course to replicate Jose Mourinho’s unprecedented treble in charge of Inter until not long ago. However, his dream of recreating the iconic 2010 feat came crashing down in the past seven days, leaving the Nerazzurri at the precipice of a first trophyless season during his regime.

Back-to-back 1-0 defeats to Bologna and Roma saw Inter fall three points behind new Serie A pacesetters Napoli. With only four games left and considering Napoli’s favorable fixture schedule, the reigning Scudetto holders must pull off the improbable to become the first Italian champions to defend their crown in five years.

An embarrassing 3-0 loss to bitter rivals AC Milan in last week’s Coppa Italia semi-final second leg added insult to injury, ruling Inter out of contention for a second domestic title this term. Overcoming Barcelona could be among the most challenging tasks in European football, yet it seems like Inter’s best chance to add to their trophy cabinet.

Los Blaugranas head into this blockbuster a bit tired, albeit brimming with confidence. Hansi Flick’s charges needed extra-time to beat Real Madrid to Copa del Rey glory at the weekend, solving only the first part of a complex equation that would see the ex-Bayern Munich boss win a quadruple in his first year in Spain. Next in line is a two-legged tie against Inter.

Match Preview

Barcelona

In addition to hoisting a record-extending 32nd Copa del Rey title, Barcelona opened a four-point gap to Madrid in La Liga’s standings with a narrow 1-0 win against Mallorca a week ago. That triumph, featuring a jaw-dropping 40 shots on goal, forms part of the Catalan juggernauts’ formidable form in 2025.

Except for a meaningless 3-1 defeat at Borussia Dortmund in the return leg of their quarter-final tie, runaway La Liga leaders have gone unbeaten in all 27 remaining matches this calendar year. As if that’s not impressive enough, Flick’s men boast an unbeaten home record at Europe’s top table this term, winning five of their six matches at their temporary home (D1) while netting 3+ goals in all but one.

That paints a bleak picture for Inter and inspires further confidence around Camp Nou as Barcelona bid to strengthen their illustrious record against their Italian counterparts. Indeed, Los Blaugranas have won half of their 16 previous UEFA meetings with the Nerazzurri (W8, D5, L3) despite going winless in the most recent two (D1, L1).

Inter

Roma’s stunning victory at Giuseppe Meazza extinguished a feel-good factor while condemning Inter to a third consecutive defeat without scoring. Those losses form part of the Italian giants’ underwhelming four-game winless streak in all competitions (D1, L3), including a 2-2 home draw against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

In search of good omens, Inzaghi’s lads have gone from strength to strength in Europe and remain unbeaten across their last six Champions League outings (W5, D1). Aggregate triumphs against Feyenoord and Bayern have propelled Inter to their second semi-final appearance at Europe’s top table in three years.

However, Inter must defy history to reach the grand final. They haven’t won on Spanish soil for more than 20 years (D3, L7), underscoring the size of the task ahead. Further confidence comes from winning their last three European fixtures on hostile turf. Defensive resilience has been at the core of Inter’s success, with the Nerazzurri keeping eight clean sheets in the most prestigious competition this term.

Team News

Despite recovering from a long-term knee injury, Marc-Andre ter Stegen will start on the bench, with Wojciech Szczesny expected to retain his place between the sticks. Worryingly for Barcelona fans, superstar striker Robert Lewandowski is still out, but Alejandro Balde could be in contention.

On the other hand, Inter will be without French defender Benjamin Pavard, who sustained an ankle problem against Roma. However, Marcus Thuram is back to full fitness and will likely join forces with Lautaro Martinez in attack. Moreover, Denzel Dumfries will regain his place on the right wing.

Barcelona vs Inter Potential Starting Line-ups

Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Martin; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres.

Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Thuram.

Barcelona vs Inter Prediction

Momentum is firmly on Barcelona’s side, not to mention the decisive home advantage. Meanwhile, fatigue is seemingly catching up with Inter, casting doubt on their hopes of staging an upset in Catalonia. Even without Lewandowski, Los Blaugranas should take a first-leg lead.