Barcelona and Inter Milan are set to clash in the opening leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal, a high-stakes encounter that is bound to captivate fans across the globe. With eight UEFA Champions League titles between them, both teams are eager to secure a spot in the final. This monumental matchup promises to be a thrilling showdown and a test of skill and strategy.
Barcelona, who have been in excellent form lately, have had a phenomenal run in 2025, losing only a single match. The Catalans will have the home advantage as they face off against Inter at the Olympic Stadium. The two-leg series will then shift to Northern Italy for the return fixture at the iconic San Siro stadium. The first leg is scheduled for Wednesday at 9pm local time c19:00 GMTc.
The last encounter between Barcelona and Inter took place on October 12, 2022, in a Group C match at the Nou Camp. The game ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, showcasing the competitiveness and quality of both teams. Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele played a key role in that match, highlighting the exceptional talent on display.
Barcelona advanced to the semifinal after a convincing 5-3 aggregate victory over Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals. On the other hand, Inter Milan secured their spot in the last four with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich, ultimately winning the series 4-3 on aggregate. Both teams have displayed their strengths and resilience on the journey to the semifinals.
As the teams prepare to take the field, Barcelona's lineup remains unchanged from their recent Copa del Rey final match against Real Madrid. Wojciech Szczesny will continue in goal, providing stability and experience to the team. In the absence of Robert Lewandowski, who is recovering from a leg injury, Ferran Torres is expected to lead the attacking line for Barcelona.
Inter Milan, on the other hand, will be without key defender Benjamin Pavard due to injury. The return of striker Marcus Thuram will bolster Inter's attacking options, providing a threat up front. The lineup for Inter Milan is set to feature several key players who will be crucial in unlocking Barcelona's defense.
With a rich history of encounters between the two sides, the Barcelona-Inter matchup always carries a sense of anticipation and excitement. The winner of this semifinal will earn a ticket to the Champions League final in Munich on May 31, a prestigious opportunity to showcase their talent on a grand stage.
As fans eagerly await kickoff, Barcelona and Inter Milan are gearing up for a captivating battle that promises drama, skill, and intense competition. The clash between these European giants is not just a game but a spectacle that embodies the essence of elite football and the pursuit of glory on the continental stage. Stay tuned as the action unfolds in what is sure to be a memorable showdown between two football powerhouses.
