Champions League Preview: Inter vs Barcelona – Team News, Line-ups & Prediction | OneFootball

A place in the Champions League final is on the line as Inter and Barcelona square off at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. A goal-glutted 3-3 draw in last week’s first leg at Montjuic left this blockbuster tie evenly poised ahead of the return fixture.

Denzel Dumfries’ maiden Champions League brace, coupled with Marcus Thuram’s backheel strike, was not enough for Inter to win in Spain. Simone Inzaghi’s side may be kicking themselves for letting an early two-goal cushion slip through their fingers in the first leg. However, there’s no time for regrets as the Nerazzurri must salvage a faltering season.

What had all the makings of a historic campaign recently spiraled into chaos as Inter went from a busted treble quest to the ignominy of a first trophyless season under Inzaghi. Overcoming Barcelona to reach a Champions League final for the second time in three years would atone for a disappointing Coppa Italia exit and recent Serie A woes.

In contrast to Inter, Los Blaugranas head into proceedings in high spirits after fighting back to beat Real Valladolid 2-1 at the weekend. Hansi Flick’s charges are on the verge of dethroning Real Madrid in La Liga and remain firmly on course for an unprecedented quadruple, having already won Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana trophies.

Barcelona last appeared in the Champions League final in 2014/15, and despite failing to win the first leg at home, a long-awaited return to the showpiece event is a distinct possibility for Europe’s most in-form team. Despite Barcelona’s pre-tie favoritism, Inter will not go down without a fight.

Match Preview

Inter

Inzaghi is potentially 90 minutes away from equaling an impressive club record. He could become the second Inter manager to oversee two Champions League finals, which could be an added motive for the 49-year-old tonight. Ultimately, it’s up to his players to show what they’re made of now that they’ve finally returned to winning ways.

Kristjan Asllani’s early penalty inspired Inter to a narrow 1-0 home triumph against Serie A minnows Hellas Verona on Saturday. That victory halted Nerazzurri’s torrid five-game winless streak in all competitions (D2, L3) and perhaps restored a feel-good factor at Meazza. After all, this venue has been a stronghold in European football.

Indeed, Inter haven’t lost any of their last 16 Champions League matches on home turf (W13, D3). Furthermore, Inter’s overall home record against La Liga opposition looks inspiring (W12, D10, L4), particularly when factoring in their results against Barcelona. They’ve only lost once in six previous home matches against their upcoming rivals (W2, D3).

Barcelona

Against the backdrop of their historic struggles at Meazza, Barcelona have fared outstandingly against Italian clubs, winning three of their last six visits to the country (D2, L1). On top of that, Flick’s men have recently traveled with confidence, as evidenced by four consecutive away wins in the Champions League before a futile 3-1 defeat at Borussia Dortmund in the previous knockout round.

However, it’s not all rosy for the Catalan powerhouse, whose historic record in Champions League semi-final away legs (W2, D2, L11) offers a note of caution. No matter the result, Barcelona could throw another spectacle here, with their free-flowing football and Flick’s trademark high defensive line likely to produce another end-to-end contest.

For context, 15 of Barca’s last 16 outings at Europe’s top table have produced 3+ goals, highlighting the potential for a high-scoring fixture. Traveling fans would probably prefer a result over entertainment, as Los Blaugranas have history to make between now and the end of Flick’s first season in charge.

Team News

Despite being taken off at halftime of the first leg, Lautaro Martinez will partner up with Marcus Thuram in attack. Barring Benjamin Pavard, Inter boss Inzaghi will have the remainder of his squad fit for this season-defining clash as he looks determined to field the same starting XI as last week.

On the other hand, Barcelona have welcomed marquee striker Robert Lewandowski to the fold. However, first-team stalwarts Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Jules Kounde are unavailable for selection. The same goes for Alejandro Balde and Marc Cassado.

Inter vs Barcelona Potential Starting Line-ups

Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Mkhitaryan, Calhanoglu, Barella, Dimarco; Martinez, Thuram.

Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martinez; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski.

Inter vs Barcelona Prediction

If there’s a team capable of shattering Inter’s home fortress, it’s Barcelona, especially now that Lewandowski is back from injury. Every tradition must come to an end. Unfortunately for the Nerazzurri, this encounter could halt their indomitable home form in the Champions League.