Barcelona vs Inter Milan Champions League Fixture – Blaugrana and Nerazzurri Determined To Pick Up First Leg Advantage

Key Injuries, Predicted Lineups & Match Preview for the Champions League Semi-Final First Leg Clash on April 30.

Barcelona and Inter Milan will renew their Champions League rivalry in the semi-final after 15 years. In their dramatic 2010 semi-final clash, Inter won by a 2-3 margin. In a repeat, the two sides will face each other in the first leg at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Wednesday.

While Inter will look to repeat the history, Barcelona will now seek revenge and a spot in the final for the first time since 2015. Under Hansi Flick, the Catalans have showcased flair and resilience. Whereas, Inter, recent finalists, aim to rediscover their defensive solidity amid domestic setbacks.

Our final workout before #BarçaInter in the @ChampionsLeague semifinals! 💪 pic.twitter.com/uEo5rOZzUT
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 30, 2025

Seeking Advantage In First Leg

The semi-final will be decided over two legs, with the return fixture scheduled for May 6. While a dominant result in this opening clash can shift momentum, history has proven time and again that even a solid lead is no guarantee of qualification. And Barcelona have been the biggest examples of that.

Even so, with the first leg at home, Barcelona will aim to build a significant advantage to avoid pressure in Milan. Meanwhile, Inter know the value of a good lead going into the second leg and will focus on limiting damage. They will be hoping to stage a potential progression to the final in front of their home fans next week.

Also Read: Barcelona vs Inter Milan Champions League Semi-Final: Hansi Flick Warns of Inter Threat in Press Conference

Barcelona Injury News

Star striker Robert Lewandowski remains sidelined with a hamstring issue. This has left Ferran Torres to lead in the final third. He will be supported by the in-form Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Left-back Alejandro Balde is a fitness doubt as well. Hence, Gerard Martin will have to be ready to step in if called up.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is fit again but Wojciech Szczesny should retain his spot. Midfielders Marc Bernal and Marc Casado are still out. Barca’s attack has been prolific will be the one in focus. Yamal and Raphinha have combined for five goals and 16 chances in Europe this term.

Barcelona Probable Starting Lineup:

Szczesny; Martin, Martinez, Cubarsi, Kounde; Pedri, De Jong; Raphinha, Olmo, Yamal; Torres

Also Read: Barcelona vs Inter Milan Champions League Semi-Final: Simone Inzaghi Highlights Nerazzurri’s Resolve in Press Conference

Inter Milan Injury News

Lautaro Martinez continues his rich scoring form in Europe. Even so, Inter will hope that Marcus Thuram can return from a thigh injury to partner him. Benjamin Pavard is doubtful after spraining his ankle, while Piotr Zielinski and Denzel Dumfries made a return against Roma in Inter’s last league match.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alessandro Bastoni are back from suspension and expected to start. Inter’s recent domestic dip and back-to-back defeats may concern fans. However, their Champions League record under Simone Inzaghi should give them hope against Barcelona’s attack. Especially considering they have eight clean sheets this season.

Inter Milan Probable Starting Lineup:

Sommer; Bastoni, Acerbi, Bisseck; Dimarco, Mkhitaryan, Calhanoglu, Barella, Dumfries; Thuram, Martinez

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Barcelona vs Inter Milan

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Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.