Inter Milan vs Barcelona: All or Nothing at the San Siro – Champions League Semi-Final Second Leg Preview

Source: Reuters

After a pulsating 3-3 draw in the first leg at the Estadi Olímpic, Barcelona and Inter Milan head into the decisive second leg of their Champions League semi-final showdown with everything on the line. With the aggregate score level and away goals no longer a factor under UEFA’s current format, this evening’s clash at the San Siro is a straight shootout for a place in the final.

First Leg Recap: A Six-Goal Classic

The first leg in Barcelona was a thrilling, end-to-end affair that showcased both teams' attacking flair and defensive frailties. Inter Milan struck early and twice led, only for Barcelona to claw their way back through moments of brilliance from Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Pedri. A late equaliser set the stage for tonight’s explosive second leg.

Line-ups: Contrasting Shapes, Star Power Everywhere

Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi has stuck with his tried and tested 3-5-2, prioritising midfield control and width via wing-backs:

Yann Sommer remains between the posts.
A back three of Acerbi, Bisseck, and Bastoni will be tasked with dealing with Barcelona’s wide threats.
The midfield five is both combative and creative, featuring Barella, Çalhanoğlu, and Mkhitaryan pulling the strings.
Up front, the lethal pairing of Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram will look to stretch and exploit Barcelona’s back line.

Barcelona, meanwhile, opt for a modern 4-2-3-1, prioritising youth, fluidity, and high pressing:

Wojciech Szczęsny starts in goal, bringing experience and composure.
A back four anchored by Íñigo Martínez, Pau Cubarsí, and Eric García will have their hands full containing Inter’s strikers.
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri form a cerebral pivot, while the trio of Olmo, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal will aim to break lines and stretch Inter’s shape.
Ferran Torres leads the line as the lone striker, expected to press aggressively and link up in transition.

Key Tactical Battle: Midfield Density vs. Direct Speed

Expect the midfield zone to become a tactical battleground. Inter’s numerical superiority in central areas—thanks to their five-man midfield—will look to suffocate Barcelona’s creative axis of De Jong and Pedri. In response, Barça will look to bypass pressure with direct balls to wide areas, exploiting the space behind Dimarco and Dumfries.

Spotlight Players:

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – The 17-year-old phenom was electric in the first leg and is capable of turning the match on its head with individual brilliance.
Lautaro Martínez (Inter) – A relentless worker and sharp finisher, his ability to drag defenders out of position will be vital.
Çalhanoğlu (Inter) – His long-range shooting and set-piece delivery could prove decisive in a tight contest.
Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona) – If he dictates the tempo, Barça will dominate possession.

The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

For Inter Milan, a second final appearance in three years would cement their European resurgence. For Barcelona, this is a chance to cap off a youth-led revolution with a return to the Champions League final—a place they haven’t seen since 2015.

With the aggregate score at 3–3 and a ticket to Munich on the line, expect drama, passion, and possibly penalties if things remain even after 90 minutes. It’s a night where legends are made and legacies are written. The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League season concludes in Munich, Germany, on Saturday 31 May 2025.