New Delhi: Inter Milan are set to host Barcelona at San Siro in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal on Tuesday. The first leg turned out to be a thriller as both teams gave every bit they had to make a 3-3 draw last week, and the upcoming second leg is also expected to be another thriller.
The hosts returned to winning ways in Serie A after five winning wins on Saturday, registering a 1-0 win over Verona. The visitors also bounced back to keep their hold over the top spot in the LA Liga standings. Raphinha and Fermin Lopez’s second-half goals helped them record a 2-1 win over Real Valladolid.
Will Barcelona inch closer to claiming the third piece of a potential quadruple, or will the ‘dark horses’ disrupt their momentum and seize control? But before the action kicks off, let’s take a look at which team holds the upper hand over the other.
⭐️ MATCHDAY! ⭐️#InterBarça @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/9mwNhzM4nb
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 6, 2025
Team News
Inter Milan face an anxious wait over the fitness of their leading goalscorer Lautaro Martinez, who picked up a hamstring injury in the first leg. His potential absence will pave the way for Mehdi Taremi or Marko Arnautovic to step into the frontline. Meanwhile, French defender Benjamin Pavard remains a fitness concern as well.
However, there is positive news in midfield with Hakan Calhanoglu available for selection after missing the recent Serie A clash against Verona due to suspension. During that game, Simone Inzaghi opted to rest several key players, fielding a heavily rotated lineup.
Kristjan Asllani opened the scoring from the penalty spot in that victory, which brought an end to Inter’s winless streak. Now, regular starters like Denzel Dumfries, Marcus Thuram, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Yann Sommer are all expected to be reinstated for the crucial tie.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick also rotated his squad during the weekend, keeping one eye on the second leg and the looming El Clasico against Real Madrid. A notable highlight was Marc-André ter Stegen returning to action, making his first appearance following a long injury layoff.
Veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is likely to return between the posts, with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Pau Cubarsi also in line for recalls at San Siro. However, full-backs Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde remain sidelined through injury.
Barcelona will head into the match without their star striker, Robert Lewandowski, whose hamstring issue continues to sideline him and may even rule him out of next week’s return leg. There is hope, however, that left-back Alejandro Balde could return to action after injury, although if he fails to prove his fitness, Gerard Martin is expected to continue in the role. The defensive quartet is likely to feature Inigo Martinez, Jules Kounde and Pau Cubarsi.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen is available again after a long injury layoff, though Wojciech Szczesny is expected to retain his place in goal. Further up the pitch, Ferran Torres is set to lead the line, flanked by the dynamic duo of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, who have not only scored five Champions League goals between them but also created 16 chances for one another.
On the other hand, Inter will look to Lautaro Martinez to lead their attack, as the Argentine has scored in five consecutive Champions League matches. Marcus Thuram is pushing for a return after missing three games with a thigh problem and could play a part. Alessandro Bastoni and Henrikh Mkhitaryan return from domestic bans, while Benjamin Pavard remains a doubt due to an ankle injury.
Head-to-Head
Inter and Barcelona have squared off 17 times across all competitions, with the Catalan side holding the upper hand, winning eight and losing just three. Six games have ended in draws between the two teams. The hosts are unbeaten in their last three games against the Spanish giants, with the last two ending in a 3-3 draw.
Inter are unbeaten in their last 15 games in the Champions League and even registered a 1-0 win when they last hosted the Catalans in 2022. Barca have lost just one fixture across all competitions in 2025, with that loss registered away from home against Borussia Dortmund in the UCL last month.
Predicted lineup
Inter Milan: Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Arnautovic, Thuram
Barcelona: Szczesny; Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martinez; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres
When, where, and how to watch the Inter Milan vs FC Barcelona match in India?
As Inter Milan and FC Barcelona are all set to lock horns at the San Siro at 12:30 am, fans can enjoy the action on television on the Sony Network. Those who prefer to stream can catch the game live on SonyLiv.
Match Prediction
Barcelona are strongly aiming to reach the Champions League final, a stage they haven’t graced since lifting their fifth European Cup back in 2015. As the last leg went, Barca were not in their usual intensity, which gave advantage to Inter to take an early lead. Their vulnerability from set pieces was completely thrashed by Denzel Dumfries.
Barcelona seems to take away the fixture as they are in good form, while once-solid Inter are creaking at the edges and seem out of form and ageing. Barca also have their own flaws, but still can leave Milan fumbling due to their incredible attack.
This continental trophy now represents Inter’s only realistic chance for silverware this season, while Barca are currently riding high on confidence. Although the Nerazzurri are expected to put up a tough fight, it certainly seems like the Blaugrana will look to advance to the next stage.
Final Scoreline: Inter Milan 1-2 Barcelona (Barcelona win 5-4 on aggregate)
Inter Milan are set to host FC Barcelona at the San Siro tonight for the UEFA Champions League second leg clash. But before the action kicks off, let’s examine which team has the upper hand over the other. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
