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The race for the Champions League crown reaches boiling point as two European heavyweights, Barcelona and Inter Milan, go head-to-head in what promises to be a blockbuster semi-final first leg tie. Here are the predictions, head-to-head, team news, possible lineups, and betting tips.
Barcelona returned to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2018-19 after a 5-3 aggregate win over Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals.
Hansi Flick’s side head into this clash on the back of a 3-2 extra time win over Real Madrid to win the Copa del Rey.
Inter, meanwhile, are looking to reach another Champions League final after their 2023 runner-up finish. They booked their place in the last four with a gritty 4-3 aggregate win over Bayern Munich, showing once again that Simone Inzaghi’s side can match the best on the continent.
However, the Nerazzurri have shown signs of fatigue in recent weeks, failing to win any of their last four matches across all competitions and dropping three points behind Napoli in the race for the Serie A title.
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Barcelona vs Inter Head to Head
These two European powerhouses last met in the 2022-23 group stage, where Inter won one and drew the other. Overall, in their 16 previous European meetings, Barcelona have won 50%, Inter three, with five draws.
However, this is just the second time they will be meeting in the knockout stage of the UCL, after Inter won 3-2 in the famous semifinal clash under Jose Mourinho in 2009-10.
Barcelona are unbeaten at home in the Champions League this season and have never lost at home to Inter.
Barcelona vs Inter Team News and Possible Lineups
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Barcelona have injury concerns heading into the clash. Alejandro Balde is a major doubt, while Robert Lewandowski is still out with a hamstring injury.
For Inter, the squad is largely fit, though Marcus Thuram and Benjamin Pavard are doubtful.
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Barcelona Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
Szczesny (GK); Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Martin; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres
Inter Predicted lineup (3-5-2)
Sommer (GK); Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Thuram
Barcelona vs Inter Predictions & Betting Tips
This semi-final promises a fascinating clash of styles – Barcelona’s control and flair versus Inter’s precision and pragmatism. Expect a tight affair with moments of magic likely to decide the first leg.
Both teams to score
Under 3.5 goals
Raphinha to register a shot on target
Lautaro Martínez to score or assist
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