Barcelona are set to take on Inter in a thrilling first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Here’s our preview and prediction for Wednesday’s blockbuster clash in Catalonia.
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Barcelona vs Inter: Preview
As the Champions League semi-finals approach, only two of the four remaining teams boast a history of winning the coveted title.
Barcelona, five-time European champions, are still chasing their first triumph in the post-Lionel Messi era, while Inter Milan have lifted the trophy three times, most recently during José Mourinho’s iconic 2009-10 campaign.
Both sides eliminated German opponents in the quarter-finals — Barcelona dismantled Borussia Dortmund, while Inter edged past Bayern Munich in a pair of tightly contested encounters — to book their place in this high-stakes showdown.
The Catalan giants have already secured two trophies this season, clinching the Supercopa de España and the Copa del Rey, and now have their sights set on completing a treble.
Jules Koundé emerged as the extra-time hero in Saturday’s Copa del Rey final, helping Hansi Flick’s men defeat arch-rivals Real Madrid. With a four-point lead over Los Blancos in La Liga, Barcelona are on course for an unforgettable campaign.
Since the start of 2025, Barcelona have been in blistering form, losing just once in 28 matches (22 wins, five draws, excluding extra time). That sole defeat came in the second leg of their quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund, where they eased off after a commanding 4-0 victory in the first leg.
Offensively, Barça have been Europe’s most prolific side this year, netting 83 goals from an expected goals (xG) tally of 67.0 — more than any other team across Europe’s top five leagues at the time of writing.
Their Champions League ambitions suffered a major setback when Robert Lewandowski, the club’s top scorer in the competition with 11 goals this season, was ruled out of both legs against Inter due to a hamstring injury.
However, Ferran Torres stepped up admirably in the Copa del Rey final, scoring a crucial equaliser against Real Madrid to send the match into extra time. He is expected to lead the line again, supported by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha — two standout performers in this season’s Champions League.
Yamal and Raphinha have developed a lethal partnership, combining for five goals — more than any other duo in the tournament — with each assisting the other multiple times (eight chances created each, 16 in total).
Raphinha has been a creative and goal-scoring machine, racking up 51 goal involvements (30 goals, 21 assists) in all competitions — second only to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (33 goals, 23 assists) among players in Europe’s elite leagues. Meanwhile, Yamal has delivered 34 contributions (14 goals, 20 assists), underlining his breakout season.
Despite Lewandowski’s absence, Barcelona look well-equipped to maintain their attacking threat. Under Hansi Flick, they’ve averaged an impressive 3.1 goals per game in the Champions League — second only to Flick’s own Bayern Munich side, who managed 3.2 goals per game en route to winning the competition in their treble-winning 2019-20 campaign.
However, Hansi Flick’s high-flying Barcelona attack will face a stern test against an Inter Milan side that has been defensively resolute throughout their European campaign, having kept eight clean sheets in the Champions League this season. One more shutout would see them match the record for the most by an Italian club in a single edition, currently shared by AC Milan (2004-05) and Juventus (2016-17).
Inter boss Simone Inzaghi has earned a reputation as a master of knockout football since taking charge in 2021. Under his leadership, the Nerazzurri have lifted the Coppa Italia twice, won the Supercoppa Italiana three times, and reached the 2023 Champions League final.
This upcoming clash will mark Inzaghi’s 50th Champions League appearance as a manager, making him the seventh Italian coach to reach that milestone — the highest number for any nation, tied with Spain. Impressively, his 26 victories in his first 50 matches are already a record for an Italian coach, edging out the legendary Marcello Lippi’s tally of 25.
Inzaghi’s tactical acumen has once again shone through this season, with Inter spending just 10 minutes and 54 seconds trailing in matches — the lowest amount of time spent behind by any team in the 2024-25 Champions League.
Inter may have briefly fallen behind in the second leg of their quarter-final against Bayern Munich, but they responded with composure and clinical precision. Goals from Lautaro Martínez and Benjamin Pavard within nine minutes turned the game around, giving them a 2-1 lead on the night and a 4-2 advantage on aggregate.
That tie perfectly illustrated Inter’s resilience — the ability to bend without breaking, much like José Mourinho’s treble-winning side of 2009-10. Despite facing a barrage of 40 shots over both legs, they limited Bayern to an average expected goals (xG) value of just 0.09 per attempt, highlighting their ability to neutralize high-pressure situations with disciplined defending.
However, this Inter side is far from one-dimensional. In midfield, Nicolò Barella has been instrumental in launching quick, incisive counter-attacks. He leads the Champions League in progressive passes per 90 minutes (7.1) among players with at least 500 minutes played — a testament to his vision and forward-thinking play.
Barella’s influence is even more striking when considering that 12% of his total passes have been progressive — the highest percentage among all central midfielders in this season’s competition. His ability to transition defense into attack with pinpoint precision will be crucial against a Barcelona side that thrives on territorial dominance.
The Nerazzurri have shown signs of vulnerability on the domestic front in recent weeks, bowing out of the Coppa Italia at the hands of AC Milan and falling three points adrift of Napoli in the Serie A title race. Yet, despite these setbacks, Inter remain one of the most tactically disciplined and battle-hardened teams in Europe.
And if there’s any side equipped to frustrate Barcelona’s fluid attacking machine, it’s Simone Inzaghi’s Inter — a team with the balance, structure, and experience to stand firm under pressure and strike on the break when it matters most.
Barcelona vs Inter: Head-to-Head
The only previous Champions League knockout clash between Barcelona and Inter came in the semi-finals of the 2009-10 campaign — a tie etched into European football folklore. On that occasion, José Mourinho’s Inter stunned Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions, winning 3-1 in the first leg at San Siro before holding out for a narrow 1-0 loss at Camp Nou to progress 3-2 on aggregate. They would go on to lift the trophy.
In total, the two sides have met 16 times in European competition, with Barcelona holding the upper hand — eight wins, five draws, and just three defeats. However, Inter have had the better of recent meetings. In the 2022-23 group stage, they drew 3-3 at home and secured a vital 1-0 win in Catalonia, a result that helped them reach the final while Barça exited at the group stage.
Despite that, the Camp Nou has historically been a fortress for the Blaugrana in this fixture. Barcelona are unbeaten in six home Champions League matches against Inter (five wins, one draw). Those five home victories are the joint-most they’ve recorded against any team in the competition — equaling their tally against AC Milan — and they’ve only played Chelsea more times (seven) at home without tasting defeat.
Barcelona vs Inter: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Barcelona – Team News
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny will start in goal for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan on Wednesday night.
Marc-André ter Stegen is back in training following a long layoff due to a ruptured patella tendon suffered in September, but Flick has decided to keep faith in Szczesny, who has performed admirably in the German’s absence.
“[Szczesny] will play in the Champions League and maybe we change in La Liga,” Flick revealed in his pre-match press conference. “We will see that later, but Szczesny will play in the Champions League.”
Barcelona will have to do without Robert Lewandowski, as the Polish striker remains sidelined with a hamstring injury he picked up earlier this month. Having missed the Copa del Rey final victory over Real Madrid, he will not be fit in time to feature against Inter.
In Lewandowski’s absence, Ferran Torres is expected to lead the line, flanked by the in-form duo of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Dani Olmo is tipped to operate in the No.10 role, although Flick hinted that Fermin Lopez remains a strong contender for a starting spot.
“Fermin is always an option,” said Flick. “On Saturday we opted for Olmo, but he can start the game. He did a very good job and we need him. He always gives his maximum and he is at a very good level.”
Meanwhile, with Alejandro Balde still nursing a hamstring injury, Gerard Martin is set to retain his place at left-back.
Barcelona – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeper – Szczesny
- Defenders – Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Martin
- Midfielders – De Jong, Pedri, Olmo
- Forwards – Yamal, Raphinha, Torres
Inter – Team News
Inter Milan head into their Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona with a mix of injury concerns and timely returns that could shape Simone Inzaghi’s selection on a crucial European night.
The biggest setback could be the absence of Benjamin Pavard, who suffered a sprained ankle in last weekend’s Serie A defeat to Roma although he could be rushed back and start the match. The Frenchman had logged the most minutes of any Inter outfield player in the Champions League this season and was instrumental in the quarter-final win over Bayern Munich, scoring the decisive goal in the 4-3 aggregate victory.
Veteran centre-back Stefan de Vrij is expected to step into Pavard’s shoes. The 33-year-old Dutchman has had his moments this season, notably rescuing a draw in the Derby della Madonnina with a late equaliser against AC Milan. His experience makes him the likely choice over Yann Bisseck, who, despite featuring ten times in Europe this season, has mostly appeared from the bench.
While Pavard’s injury is a blow, Inter will welcome the return of Marcus Thuram, whose absence through an adductor problem coincided with a barren run in front of goal – Inter failed to score in each of the three matches he missed. His availability could provide a significant attacking boost, likely seeing him slot back into the starting XI.
Alessandro Bastoni and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are also in contention, with their domestic suspensions not carrying over to UEFA competitions. Meanwhile, Denzel Dumfries has recovered from a hamstring issue and is part of the travelling squad for the first time since late March, although his recent injury history means he is unlikely to start.
Inter may be short a key defensive figure in Pavard, but with influential names returning to the fold, Inzaghi still has a strong hand to play in what promises to be a tense tactical battle at the Olympic Stadium.
Inter – Predicted Lineup (3-5-2)
- Goalkeper – Sommer
- Defenders – Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni
- Midfielders – Darmian, Mkhitaryan , Calhanoglu, Barella, Dimarco
- Forwards – Martinez, Taremi
Barcelona vs Inter: Prediction
After a grueling 120-minute battle against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, one can’t help but wonder about the physical and mental toll on some of Barcelona’s key players. The emotional energy spent in the El Clasico, combined with the extended play, means that some players appeared to be running on fumes during extra time.
However, this could be the ideal moment for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona to face Inter Milan. Despite their fatigue, Barcelona rarely fail to create chances in attack, and with a potent offensive line, even without Robert Lewandowski, it would be a shock if they didn’t convert at least a few opportunities. Inter, despite their solid defensive record, have conceded goals in each of their last nine matches, leaving room for optimism for the hosts.
Inter will undoubtedly create their own chances, especially with the returning Marcus Thuram and the creative spark of Nicolò Barella in midfield, but Barcelona’s attacking depth, including Ferran Torres, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal, should see them edge out the Nerazzurri.
With the advantage of home support and Inter facing key injury concerns, this high-stakes semi-final looks primed for an entertaining clash.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Inter
When and Where to Watch Barcelona vs Inter Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The UEFA Champions League 2024-25 semi-final first leg between Barcelona and Inter will take place at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Catalonia, Spain. The match is set for May 1 at 12:30 am IST. It will be broadcast live on the Sony Network and can be streamed online via Sony LIV.
The match will take place on May 1 at 12:30 am IST in Catalonia, Barcelona.
No, Lewandowski is out due to a hamstring injury and will miss both legs against Inter Milan.
Stefan de Vrij is expected to start in place of the injured Benjamin Pavard.
Yes, Barcelona has a potent attack with players like Ferran Torres, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal, making them strong contenders even without Lewandowski.
Barcelona has the advantage in their European head-to-head, with eight wins and one draw in their last six home matches against Inter Milan.
