Inter Milan and FC Barcelona played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, a match that was action-packed from start to finish. The fate of each team’s Champions League hopes now rests on the second leg that will be played in Italy. The upcoming contest is an essential matchup for all to see, and what all fans will enjoy to see play out.
Inter Milan faces the difficult task of competing not only for the Champions League title, but also for the Serie A title. This means a great deal of wear and tear physically, so the team will have to overexert itself in order to arrive with chances and in the best way possible to both tournaments. The bad news for the Italian team is that they will most likely not be able to count on their great scorer Lautaro Martínez after having withdrawn from the first leg. A huge strike for their confidence.
Barcelona is also in the hunt to win their domestic league. They know that a single error could eliminate them from contention altogether. Hansi Flick’s side are preparing especially for this game because they know that getting a victory at the San Siro will not be an easy task. Can Barcelona claim the advantage?
Lewandowski returns to the squad, but starts on the bench
For the match played in Montjuïc last week, Hansi Flick not count on Robert Lewandowski, who suffered an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg against Celta de Vigo a couple of weeks ago. A very difficult absence to deal with.
However, the Polish striker has received medical clearance and traveled with the rest of the culé expedition to Italian territory to play this crucial game. Flick was asked about the state of Barça’s ‘9’ and confirmed his plan.
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“Everything is on the right track, he feels good, much better than we expected. He is ready to be on the bench, when we need him, he will be available,” he said to the media present at the press conference in the San Siro press room. This is great news for the squad, who may need his presence in order to pull off the win.
Potential lineups:
Inter Milan: Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Barella, Dumfries, Dimarco; Martínez, Thuram.
FC Barcelona: Szczęsny; García, Cubarsí, Martínez, Martin; De Jong, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Torres.
The squad appears to be set up for what is to come, and ready to take on anything in its wake. But can both compete? It is now an intriguing game for all to see.
