As Barcelona put together to host Inter within the semi-final first leg on Wednesday night time, here’s a take a look at a few of the key battles that would affect the outcome between the 2 European giants.
Barcelona vs. Inter: 4 key battles to observe
Robert Lewandowski vs. Francesco Acerbi
Robert Lewandowski requires little introduction: He is likely one of the world’s best strikers for a era and is predicted to go up towards Francesco Acerbi in the course of Inter’s again three on Wednesday night time.
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Acerbi has earned a optimistic repute for a few of his performances towards top-level centre-forwards over the course of the 2024-25 season.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Erling Haaland of Manchester Metropolis heads the ball beneath stress from through the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Part MD1 match between Manchester Metropolis and FC Internazionale Milano at Metropolis of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Picture by Carl Recine/Getty Photos)
The 37-year-old was through the 0-0 draw between Inter and Manchester Metropolis earlier this season, and likewise performed significantly nicely within the first leg of the quarter-final victory over Bayern Munich.
Lamine Yamal vs. Alessandro Bastoni
Barcelona boast probably the most harmful attacking items on the planet with their line-up of Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. The latter, nonetheless solely 17 years of age, is having a stellar season in 2024-25, with 4 targets and 4 assists from 11 Champions League appearances, on high of his six targets and 14 assists in LaLiga.
SEVILLE, SPAIN – APRIL 26: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona reacts through the Copa del Rey Ultimate match between FC Barcelona and Actual Madrid at Estadio de La Cartuja on April 26, 2025 in Seville, Spain. (Picture by Fran Santiago/Getty Photos)
Assuming that he’ll play in his pure place off Barcelona’s proper wing, he’ll go up towards Alessandro Bastoni on the left of Inter’s again three.
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The 26-year-old has grown to turn into one in all Europe’s best defenders, and is presently enjoying in a again line that has solely conceded 5 targets in 12 Champions League matches to date this season.
Pedri vs. Nicolo Barella
The midfield battle can be key within the combat for management over the sport on Wednesday night time. Frenkie De Jong and Pedri are anticipated to begin in a double pivot for Barcelona, whereas Inter will not be anticipated to alter from their most popular midfield three of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Inter Milan’s Italian midfielder #23 Nicolo Barella (L) vies with Manchester Metropolis’s Belgian midfielder #17 Kevin De Bruyne (R) through the UEFA Champions League, league part soccer match between Manchester Metropolis and Inter Milan on the Etihad stadium, in Manchester, north-west England, on September 18, 2024 (Picture by Paul ELLIS / AFP) (Picture by PAUL ELLIS/AFP through Getty Photos)
Inside that battle can be an fascinating match-up between Barella and Pedri, who’re each thought-about among the many best midfielders that Europe has to supply.
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Barella boasts a worthwhile trait in that he’s usually as efficient out of possession as he’s on the ball, and can be capable to trigger Barcelona a number of points along with his tireless urgent and skill on the counter assault if he performs to his finest.
Pau Cubarsi/Ronald Araujo vs. Lautaro Martinez/Marcus Thuram
Whereas Barcelona have one of many strongest attacking departments on the earth, Inter will not be with out their very own threats up entrance.
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale celebrates with Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale after scoring the group’s first purpose through the Serie A TIM match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 29, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photos)
Fortuitously for the Nerazzurri, Marcus Thuram is in line to return to the beginning line-up after a three-game absence, which has coincided with a run of three losses in Serie A and the Coppa Italia with out the Frenchman within the line-up.
With Lautaro Martinez and his eight Champions League targets to date in 2024-25, Pau Cubarsi and Ronald Araujo may also must preserve their wits about them if they’re to maintain the Nerazzurri attackers out in Barcelona.