UEFA Champions League: Barcelona vs Inter preview 04/30/2025
The UEFA Champions League semi-final
first leg between FC Barcelona and Inter Milan is set to be a thrilling
encounter, taking place on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the Estadi Olímpic
Lluís Companys in Barcelona. Both teams are vying for a coveted spot in the
final, with Barcelona aiming for a historic treble and Inter seeking redemption
after recent domestic setbacks.
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Match Details
- Fixture:
FC Barcelona vs Inter Milan
- Competition:
UEFA Champions League Semi-Final (First Leg)
- Date:
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
- Kick-off Time:
8:00 PM BST / 1:00 AM BST+6 (Bangladesh Time)
- Venue:
Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona
- Live Broadcast:
Sony Sports Network (India), talkSPORT (UK)
- Live Streaming:
Sony LIV (India), talkSPORT online (UK)
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Match Preview
Barcelona:
Riding the Wave
FC Barcelona enters this semi-final
clash with high morale, having recently clinched the Copa del Rey title with a
dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid. Under the
guidance of manager Hansi Flick, the team is on course for a potential treble,
leading La Liga by four points with five matches remaining. Despite the absence
of key players like Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde due to injuries, the
squad boasts formidable attacking talents such as Raphinha, who has matched
Lionel Messi’s best Champions League season with 19 goal contributions, and
young prodigy Lamine Yamal, who is eager to make his mark in his first
semi-final appearance.
Inter
Milan: Seeking Redemption
Inter Milan, managed by Simone
Inzaghi, faces this crucial fixture amidst a challenging period. The team has
suffered three consecutive defeats, including a loss to city rivals AC Milan,
and has relinquished the Serie A lead to Napoli. Injuries have further
compounded their woes, with key players like Benjamin Pavard ruled out and
doubts over the fitness of Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries. However, Inter's
defensive solidity, having conceded only five goals in the Champions League
this season, and the attacking prowess of Lautaro Martínez remain significant
threats.
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Tactical Overview
Barcelona's
Approach
Manager Hansi Flick has confirmed
that Wojciech Szczesny will continue as the starting goalkeeper for the
Champions League campaign, despite Marc-André ter Stegen being medically
cleared to return. Flick emphasizes the importance of ball control, minimizing
mistakes, and maintaining a solid defensive focus to counter Inter’s 3-5-2
formation and potent counter-attacks. The recent victory over Real Madrid is
expected to serve as a morale booster, propelling the team towards their
European ambitions.
Inter's
Strategy
Inter Milan is likely to stick with
their preferred 3-5-2 formation, focusing on defensive organization and
exploiting set-piece opportunities, an area where Barcelona has shown
vulnerability. The potential absence of key players may prompt tactical
adjustments, but the team's experience and collective play are expected to be
central to their strategy. Inzaghi's side will aim to contain Barcelona's
attacking threats while seeking opportunities to capitalize on counter-attacks
and set-pieces.
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Team News & Predicted Lineups
Barcelona
Injuries: Robert Lewandowski (hamstring), Alejandro Balde (injury),
Marc-André ter Stegen (available but not selected for Champions League due to
squad registration rules
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper:
Wojciech Szczesny
- Defenders:
Sergi Roberto, Andreas Christensen, Eric García, Marcos Alonso
- Midfielders:
Pedri, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong
- Forwards: Raphinha, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal Inter Milan
Injuries: Benjamin Pavard (out), Marcus Thuram (doubtful), Denzel Dumfries
(doubtful) Predicted Lineup (3-5-2):
- Goalkeeper:
André Onana
- Defenders:
Milan Škriniar, Stefan de Vrij, Alessandro Bastoni
- Midfielders:
Denzel Dumfries, Nicolò Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan,
Federico Dimarco
- Forwards:
Lautaro Martínez, Edin Džeko
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Head-to-Head Record
- Total Meetings:
12
- Barcelona Wins:
6
- Draws:
4
- Inter Milan Wins:
2
- Goals Scored:
Barcelona 17, Inter Milan 10 Notably, Inter Milan's most significant
victory over Barcelona came during the 2009-10 semi-finals, where they
eliminated the Catalan giants en route to winning the title.
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Live Streaming Information
- India:
Sony Sports Network will broadcast the match live, with streaming
available on Sony LIV.
- United Kingdom:
Live commentary and updates will be provided by talkSPORT.
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Prediction
Given Barcelona's current form and
home advantage, they are poised to secure a narrow victory in this first-leg
encounter. However, Inter Milan's defensive resilience and experience in
European competitions cannot be underestimated.
Predicted Score: Barcelona 2-1 Inter Milan