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The Inter Milan vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg on May 6, 2025, promises to be a thrilling encounter at San Siro. With the first leg ending in a dramatic 3-3 draw at Barcelona’s Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, both teams know that everything is on the line in this winner-takes-all battle for a spot in the Champions League final. With the away goals rule now abolished, a draw after 90 minutes will lead to extra time and potentially penalties.
Key Takeaways – Inter Milan vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League
- First leg ended 3-3 at Barcelona’s Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, setting up a perfectly balanced second leg
- Barcelona lead the tournament in goals scored with 37, averaging 3.1 goals per game
- Inter Milan haven’t lost at San Siro in their last 15 Champions League matches
- Key injury concerns: Lautaro Martinez out for Inter; Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado, and Marc Bernal out for Barcelona; Lewandowski doubtful
- Raphinha’s 12 Champions League goals make him a focal point for Barcelona’s attack
- Both teams to score has been a regular feature in Barcelona’s recent Champions League fixtures
Inter Milan vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League Match Details
The Inter Milan vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg takes place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at San Siro (Giuseppe Meazza Stadium) in Milan. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM CEST (2:00 PM ET). With the aggregate score level at 3-3 following the first leg, this match will decide who progresses to face either PSG or Manchester City in the final.
For both teams, this Inter Milan vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League clash represents the peak of their season. Barcelona, fresh from a 3-2 extra-time Copa del Rey victory over Real Madrid, arrive in Milan with momentum and confidence. Inter, however, despite recent domestic struggles, have shown their best form in European competition this season.
The winner of this tie will advance to the Champions League final on June 7 in Lisbon, with the prestigious trophy within touching distance. The away goals rule is no longer in effect, meaning a draw after 90 minutes will lead to extra time and potentially a penalty shootout.
Broadcast options vary by region: UK viewers can watch on TNT Sports, with streaming available on the Discovery+ platform. In the US, stream on Paramount+; in Canada and New Zealand, DAZN; and in South Africa, SuperSport/DStv. Check local listings for broadcast details in other regions.
Team Form and Key Players for Inter Milan vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League
Barcelona’s Current Form
Barcelona enter this Inter Milan vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League encounter in exceptional form. The Catalan giants top La Liga with a four-point lead over Real Madrid, having lost only once in their last 28 matches across all competitions. Their attacking prowess is unmatched, with the team scoring 37 goals in the Champions League this season.
In the Champions League, Barcelona defeated Borussia Dortmund 5-3 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, showcasing their ability to outscore opponents even when their defense isn’t at its best. Their high-pressing, possession-based style under Hansi Flick has yielded an average of 70% possession in La Liga. However, they’ve conceded in four of their last six home matches, suggesting defensive vulnerabilities.
Barcelona’s key performers include:
- Raphinha: The tournament’s second-highest scorer with 12 Champions League goals, averaging 4.28 shots per 90 minutes
- Lamine Yamal: The 17-year-old sensation scored in the first leg and hit the post
- Ferran Torres: Scored in the first leg and likely to start if Lewandowski is benched
- Pedri: Orchestrating play in midfield with his creativity
- Frenkie de Jong: Adding steel and dynamism to Barcelona’s engine room
- Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi: Set-piece threats who could exploit Inter’s defensive absences
Barcelona face multiple injury concerns heading into this crucial fixture. Alejandro Balde (left-back) is confirmed out, as are midfielders Marc Casado and Marc Bernal. Jules Kounde (right-back) is doubtful, while Robert Lewandowski is training but may be rested, opening the door for Ferran Torres to lead the line. These absences could leave Barcelona vulnerable, particularly in the full-back positions.
Inter Milan’s Current Form
Inter Milan arrive at this tie in a strange position – struggling domestically but excelling in Europe. The Nerazzurri have lost their last three domestic matches, including a 3-0 defeat to rivals AC Milan in the Coppa Italia, and 1-0 losses to both Roma and Bologna. However, their Champions League form tells a different story, with impressive victories against Feyenoord and Bayern Munich in earlier rounds.
Inter’s home record is particularly impressive, having gone unbeaten in their last 15 Champions League matches at San Siro. However, their attack has shown concerning inefficiency, ranking sixth-worst in expected goals on target (xGOT) despite being fourth in expected goals per shot, indicating poor finishing.
Inter’s key players include:
- Marcus Thuram: Scored a back-heel goal in the first leg and becomes Inter’s main goal threat with Martinez injured
- Mehdi Taremi: Likely to partner Thuram up front, providing an alternative attacking option
- Denzel Dumfries: Scored an acrobatic volley in the first leg and offers threat down the right flank
- Federico Dimarco: Provides width and attacking threat from the left wingback position
- Hakan Calhanoglu: The midfield metronome controlling transitions
- Nicolo Barella: Dynamic box-to-box midfielder who energizes the team
The biggest blow for Inter is the absence of Lautaro Martinez, who suffered a hamstring injury in the first leg. Benjamin Pavard is also out at center-back. These absences will test Inter’s squad depth significantly, especially against Barcelona’s formidable attack.
Tactical Analysis: Inter Milan vs Barcelona
Barcelona’s Approach
Barcelona’s tactical setup under Hansi Flick emphasizes high pressing and possession dominance. Their 4-3-3 formation allows for width through Raphinha and Yamal, while the midfield trio of Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and potentially Dani Olmo provides creative support.
Barcelona average 70% possession and 3.1 goals per game in the Champions League. Their high defensive line creates space for their attackers but leaves them vulnerable to counter-attacks, especially with key defensive absentees. This vulnerability is evidenced by conceding in four of their last six matches.
The key battles for Barcelona will be:
- Exploiting the flanks with their pace against Inter’s wingbacks
- Maintaining defensive discipline without their first-choice full-backs
- Controlling the tempo through midfield superiority
- Utilizing set-pieces, where Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi pose significant threats
Inter Milan’s Strategy
Simone Inzaghi typically employs a 3-5-2 formation that morphs into a 5-3-2 when defending. This setup provides excellent defensive coverage while allowing wingbacks Dumfries and Dimarco to bomb forward in attack. Without Martinez, however, the attack relies on the partnership of Thuram and Taremi.
Inter’s approach will likely focus on:
- Compact defensive organization to frustrate Barcelona’s possession
- Quick transitions through Calhanoglu and Barella
- Exploiting Barcelona’s high line with long balls to Thuram
- Utilizing Dumfries and Dimarco’s overlapping runs
- Deploying Calhanoglu and Mkhitaryan to double up on Yamal, neutralizing his influence
Despite their recent domestic goal drought, Inter have scored in 10 of their 12 Champions League matches this season, highlighting their counterattacking threat in European competition.
The home advantage at San Siro, where the passionate crowd creates an intimidating atmosphere, will be crucial for Inter’s psychological edge in this Inter Milan vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League showdown.
Inter-Barcelona Head-to-Head Record
The historical matchup between these European giants has produced memorable encounters. Barcelona have the slight edge in Champions League meetings, with six wins to Inter’s two from 13 encounters, with five draws. The recent clash in October 2022 also ended 3-3, showing how evenly matched these teams are.
Inter’s most famous victory came in the 2009/10 Champions League semi-finals when they eliminated Barcelona en route to winning the title. That result serves as inspiration for the current Inter squad as they face similar circumstances.
In their last five meetings, Barcelona have two wins, Inter one, with two draws. The first leg’s 3-3 draw continued this pattern of competitive encounters, with neither team able to gain a decisive advantage. Barcelona are unbeaten in their last seven home games against Inter, but face a tougher challenge at San Siro where Inter have been formidable.
Betting Options for Inter Milan vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League
The betting markets reflect the finely balanced nature of this tie. (Please note odds are subject to variance, please check Tobibet for all official odds).
Match Result Markets
- Barcelona Win: 23/20 (46.5% implied probability)
- Draw: 11/4 (26.7% implied probability)
- Inter Milan Win: 19/10 (34.5% implied probability)
Barcelona are slight favorites despite playing away from home, reflecting their superior form and attacking potential. Inter’s home record keeps the odds competitive.
Goals Markets
- Over 2.5 Goals: -137 (57.9% implied probability)
- Both Teams to Score: -163 (62% implied probability)
The first leg’s 3-3 scoreline strongly supports these markets. Barcelona have seen over 2.5 goals in 89% of their Champions League wins this season, while Inter have scored in 10 of their 12 Champions League matches.
Player Props
- Raphinha to Score Anytime: +162 at Tobibet
- Lamine Yamal to Score or Assist: +150 at Tobibet
- Marcus Thuram to Score Anytime: +200 at Tobibet
- Ferran Torres to Score Anytime: +180 at Tobibet
Raphinha leads with 12 Champions League goals and 4.28 shots per 90 minutes, while Yamal’s creativity was evident in the first leg when he scored and hit the post. For Inter, Thuram becomes the main threat with Martinez injured, while Torres offers value if Lewandowski is benched.
Asian Handicap
Barcelona -0.5 requires them to win outright, aligning with their favoritism. Inter +0.5 covers a draw or Inter win, making it a safer bet given their home resilience.
Special Markets
Three of Inter’s last five matches across all competitions ended 1-0, suggesting they could frustrate Barcelona while scoring once. The first leg’s draw and tight odds for a 90-minute draw make extra time a realistic possibility.
Recommended Bet
Both Teams to Score: -163 at Tobibet
Barcelona’s leaky defense (conceded in four of their last six matches) and Inter’s Champions League scoring record (10/12 games with goals) make this a strong selection. The first leg’s 3-3 scoreline further supports goals at both ends.
For more betting tips on Champions League fixtures, various specialized platforms provide detailed analysis of European football betting markets.
Remember to gamble responsibly. Only bet what you can afford to lose and seek help if gambling becomes problematic.
Inter Milan vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League Prediction
This semi-final second leg promises to be a tactical chess match with quality attacking players capable of deciding the outcome in a single moment. Barcelona’s attacking firepower gives them a slight edge, but Inter’s home advantage and European pedigree make them dangerous opponents.
The match will likely be decided by which team better manages the emotional pressure of a Champions League semi-final. Both teams have shown vulnerability to counter-attacks, suggesting an open game with multiple scoring opportunities. If Barcelona can neutralize Inter’s wingbacks while exploiting their own attacking width, they’ll have a significant advantage.
Prediction: Inter Milan 2-2 Barcelona (Barcelona to advance after extra time)
The tactical battle between Flick’s attacking philosophy and Inzaghi’s defensive organization should produce an entertaining spectacle. Neither team will want to surrender the initiative, leading to an open game that could require extra time or even penalties to find a winner. This prediction aligns with both teams’ scoring patterns in European competition and the first leg’s drama.
For the latest sports betting insights and UEFA Champions League analysis, numerous resources offer in-depth tactical breakdowns and betting recommendations.
FAQ: Inter Milan vs Barcelona
When is the Inter Milan vs Barcelona Champions League match?
The match takes place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 8:00 PM CEST (2:00 PM ET) at San Siro in Milan.
Where can I watch Inter Milan vs Barcelona?
In the UK, the match will be broadcast on TNT Sports with streaming on Discovery+. In the US, stream on Paramount+; in Canada and New Zealand, DAZN; and in South Africa, SuperSport/DStv. Check your local listings for broadcast details in other regions.
Who are the key players to watch in this match?
For Barcelona, watch Raphinha (12 Champions League goals), Lamine Yamal, and Pedri. For Inter Milan, Marcus Thuram, Denzel Dumfries, and Hakan Calhanoglu are the danger men.
What was the first leg score?
The first leg ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Barcelona’s Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, keeping both teams’ hopes alive heading into this decisive second leg.
Are there any key injuries for either team?
Barcelona will be without Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado, and Marc Bernal, while Jules Kounde and Robert Lewandowski are doubtful. Inter are missing Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard, significant absences for their attacking and defensive structures.
What happens if the match ends in a draw?
With the away goals rule abolished, a draw after 90 minutes will lead to extra time, and if still level, a penalty shootout will determine which team advances to the final.
What are the best betting options for this match?
Both teams to score (-163) and over 2.5 goals (-137) offer good value based on both teams’ recent performances. For player props, consider Raphinha to score (+162) or Lamine Yamal to score or assist (+150). (Please note odds are subject to variance, please check Tobibet for all official odds).
Where can I stream the match outside the UK?
In the US, Paramount+; in Canada and New Zealand, DAZN; in South Africa, SuperSport/DStv. Check local providers for other regions.
How important is San Siro’s atmosphere for this match?
Inter Milan haven’t lost in their last 15 Champions League matches at San Siro. The passionate home crowd creates an intimidating atmosphere that could give Inter a psychological edge against Barcelona..
Are there any key injuries for either team?
Barcelona will be without Alejandro Balde, while Jules Kounde and Robert Lewandowski are doubtful. Inter are missing Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard, significant absences for their attacking and defensive structures.
What happens if the match ends in a draw?
With the away goals rule abolished, a draw after 90 minutes will lead to extra time, and if still level, a penalty shootout will determine which team advances to the final.
What are the best betting options for this match?
Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals offer good value based on both teams’ recent performances. (Please note odds are subject to variance, please check Tobibet for all official odds).
