Inter are chasing a fourth European crown, while Barcelona have their eyes on a sixth. In the first leg, Europe’s tightest defence met one of its most dangerous attacks and it didn’t disappoint. Inter struck first just 30 seconds in, with Marcus Thuram scoring the fastest semi-final goal in Champions League history.
Denzel Dumfries, who had scored just once in his previous 39 Champions League games, stunned everyone with two goals of his own. But Barcelona, powered by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, fought back to level the match at 3–3.
Despite losing a two-goal cushion, Inter seemed content with the draw, especially with the return leg at home. Under Simone Inzaghi, they’ve been rock solid conceding just five goals and keeping eight clean sheets in Europe this season.
They matched Barcelona’s 19 points in the group stage, took down Feyenoord in the knockouts, and ended Bayern Munich’s hopes of a home final. But keeping Barcelona quiet proved far more difficult.
The matchup also stirs memories of 2010, when Inter knocked out Barcelona in the semis and went on to win the tournament under Jose Mourinho. Inzaghi’s current squad shares a similar experience level and has been a fortress at home unbeaten in their last 15 Champions League games at San Siro, winning 12 of them. Historically, they’ve also won nine of their last 11 home semi-finals in European competition.
Still, Inter’s form hasn’t been flawless. Saturday’s narrow 1–0 win over Hellas Verona ended a five-game winless run. While they’re still in the Serie A title race, they trail Napoli and are out of the Coppa Italia after losing to rivals AC Milan.
Barcelona, on the other hand, remain on course for a treble. Having already lifted the Spanish Super Cup, they recently beat Real Madrid to win the Copa del Rey and sit atop La Liga with just four games to go, following a 2–1 win over bottom-side Real Valladolid.
Hansi Flick’s team has won 24 of their last 30 matches, their only recent loss coming to Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the quarter-finals—after the tie was essentially wrapped up. They’ve been ruthless going forward, scoring 40 goals in this Champions League campaign and closing in on the all-time record of 45, set by Barcelona in 1999–2000.
Lamine Yamal continues to shine, scoring five Champions League goals this season—more than any teenager has managed in a single campaign apart from Haaland, Mbappé, and Raul. Raphinha’s been on fire too, directly involved in 20 goals, a feat bettered only by Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary 2013–14 season.
Despite their form, history isn’t on Barcelona’s side. They’ve lost their last four semi-final away games in this competition and have only two away wins in the last 13 at this stage. Their record in Italy is also poor—just five wins in 24 Champions League games, and only one win in six visits to San Siro.
All signs point to another intense showdown, as two European giants battle for a place in the final against either Arsenal or PSG.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Inter Milan are keeping a close eye on the fitness of star striker Lautaro Martinez, who picked up a hamstring injury in the first leg. His absence would be a big blow, potentially opening the door for Mehdi Taremi or Marko Arnautovic to step in. French defender Benjamin Pavard is also a doubt for the return leg.
On the positive side, midfield linchpin Hakan Calhanoglu is back in contention after missing the weekend’s match due to a domestic suspension. Coach Simone Inzaghi took that opportunity to rest his regular starters in Saturday’s 1–0 win over Verona, fielding a heavily rotated squad.
Kristjan Asllani scored from the spot early on to snap Inter’s five-game winless streak, but the big guns—Denzel Dumfries, Marcus Thuram, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and goalkeeper Yann Sommer are expected to return to the starting eleven for Tuesday's showdown.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick also shuffled his lineup over the weekend, keeping one eye on both this second leg and the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid. Most notably, goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen returned to the starting lineup for the first time after a long injury spell.
Expect to see the usual faces Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Pau Cubarsi and others back in the XI at San Siro. However, full-backs Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde remain sidelined through injury.
There is some good news for Barca, though: Robert Lewandowski is nearing full fitness and could be named among the substitutes.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
Inter Milan possible starting lineup:Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Arnautovic, Thuram
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Szczesny; Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martinez; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres
EXPERT PREDICTION
Inter Milan 2-3 Barcelona
The last two meetings between Inter and Barcelona have both finished in thrilling 3-3 draws, and with a Champions League final spot on the line, another goal-filled clash seems likely.
Inter, once rock-solid, are starting to show their age and recent dip in form. Barcelona have their own vulnerabilities, but with the firepower they bring up front, the Catalans have a real shot at leaving Milan with a win.
