Rafa Benitez talks Yamal, Lautaro Martinez and Inter Milan ahead of Barcelona’s crunch UCL clash | OneFootball

In a recent conversation with Gazzeta dello Sport (h/t GSP), former Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez offered his thoughts on Barcelona and their upcoming Champions League game against Inter Milan.

While Barça’s immediate focus will be on tonight’s La Liga clash against Real Valladolid, there is much anxiety surrounding the second leg semifinal clash against Inter on May 6.

Speaking ahead of this enticing match-up, Benitez talked about Inter Milan’s chances of beating Barcelona and what the potential absence of Lautaro Martinez could mean for the home side, among other things.

What Benitez said about Barcelona-Inter match

Heading into this game, Barcelona were given a major boost after Inter Milan confirmed the injury of Martinez.

The Argentine has been the top performer for Inter this season, but could now be ruled out after picking up a fresh knock in the first leg.

Talking about Lautaro’s potential absence, Benitez said, “If Lautaro can’t recover, Inzaghi will lose a lot, but note that he wasn’t present in the second half of the first leg either, yet the opportunities didn’t go unnoticed.”

Inter were indeed without Lautaro in the second half of the first leg, as the Argentine had to be subbed off at half-time.

Rafa Benitez last coached Celta Vigo in La Liga (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

Nevertheless, Benitez went on to heap praise on Inter’s wide play, adding, “Inter knew how to hit Barcelona in wide areas, and were physically strong, dangerous on set pieces and counter-attacks, especially through the flanks and sometimes from deep.

Talking about Barcelona’s gameplay, the Spaniard said the pitch could play an important factor.

“The pitch is a helpful factor, but Barcelona are used to intense atmospheres and will not be affected.

“Their style is clear: possession, depth, intelligent players of high quality. This was evident against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey, even if they looked exhausted in the end against Inter,” he said.

Benitez added that the expertise of Simone Inzaghi or Hansi Flick will not matter as both teams have a distinct style of play.

“Neither Inzaghi nor Flick will count, as evidenced by the 3-3 draw in the first leg. But it would be a mistake to rush and leave spaces. Barcelona tends to take more risks, but Inter possesses the physical and mental strength,” he said.

Finally, Benitez was asked about Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal, who scored a brilliant goal in the first leg.

“We are witnessing a player who will make history. He has the talent and mentality of Messi or Cristiano. The important thing is that he remains humble and competitive, and then he will be an exceptional player,” he concluded.