What Barcelona and Inter Milan are hiding before the Champions League semifinal | OneFootball

What happens when the most catastrophic attack in Europe meets the most resilient defense on the continent? A duel that promises nothing short of tension, sweat, explosions, and maybe, just maybe, a heroic fall of a giant. Barcelona and Inter Milan meet this Wednesday at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys for the first leg of the 2024/25 Champions League semifinal.

Both teams have rich histories, dominant squads, and a past that can make even unbiased supporters get goosebumps. One team, Barcelona rejuvenated by Flick and fueled by a title victory over bitter foes Real Madrid. The other, an Inter Milan that, despite a recent trouncing in the Coppa Italia, still has the audacity to silence any stadium. Who blinks?

Lautaro is one of Inter Milan's highlights | MARCO BERTORELLO/GettyImages

Barcelona's attack is a rocket, but Inter's defense is solid

Let's take it to the numbers, because they too narrate stories. Barcelona have already scored in this Champions League 37 times. That's thirty-seven. In 12 games. A rate pushing the other side back into their own half and causing any goalkeeper turn around in his seat with fear. Flick's attack team is firing on all cylinders, and that's not just a figure of speech. Raphinha, the lead attacking talent, is more clinical than ever, quite tellingly one of the favorites to win the Best Player award. He's been directly involved in 26 goals in 24 Champions League matches. That's 15 goals and 11 assists. A cleat-wearing nightmare.

But then there is the other side of the coin. Inter Milan has conceded a mere five goals in 12 games. It is the kind of defense that does not melt under fan pressure, nor does it get sidetracked at the moment of excitement. Lautaro Martínez is the best of them upfront, but it is the Italian defense unit that actually holds the team as one. Cold, structured, and disciplined, they are.

Barcelona confidence, spectre of Milan

The atmosphere also comes to the field. And right now, the wave is all blaugrana. After the Copa del Rey success in a thriller 3-2 win against Real Madrid, Barcelona is filled with confidence. And confidence, at this point in the competition, is greater than any drilled tactic. Flick has added soul to the Culés. On top of that, they're six-time home Champions League unbeaten champions, having chalked up 21 goals en route. A hellish place to visit for any opponent.

Raphinha on a roll with his fantastic season | Alex Caparros/GettyImages

Inter Milan rolls in meanwhile under overcast skies. They had a rough 3-0 loss to arch-rivals Milan in the Coppa Italia and recently suffered a Serie A loss to Roma. The question in the air is whether this setback will unsettle the team psychologically ahead of such an important game. Possibly. Perhaps more likely, though, is that it is the wake-up call they need in order to get focused again. In semifinals such as these, nothing goes as a given, not even psychological edge.

History between the clubs

Barça and Inter Milan have faced each other 16 times in European competition. The Spanish team has the advantage, winning 8, drawing 5, and losing 3. But it's wise not to be misled by history. In their last two encounters in the 2022/23 Champions League group stage, Barça didn't emerge victorious, being defeated 1-0 in the first leg and holding their hosts 3-3 at home. And if the memory of 2009/10 is still fresh in the Catalans' minds, there's a reason. That's when Mourinho's Inter sent the defending champions packing with a 3-2 aggregate defeat.