On Wednesday, Barcelona will take on Inter in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals. Barcelona enters the match on a high note, coming off a victory in the Copa del Rey, while Inter seeks to rebound after a defeat in the Coppa Italia and slipping down the standings in Serie A.
A major concern for Inter is their recent form, having conceded five goals without scoring in their last three matches. In those games, striker Marcus Thuram missed out due to injury but is expected to recover in time for this crucial encounter. Along with teammate Lautaro Martinez, their partnership could be key for Inter’s attack.
Thuram returned to training on Tuesday, and will likely start, solidifying Inter’s offense even at partial fitness against a talented Barcelona side.
On the opposing side, Robert Lewandowski will miss the game due to injury, which may affect Barcelona’s attacking strategy. Consequently, Ferran Torres is predicted to lead the frontline, supported by Dani Olmo. Also, the wings will be significant for Barcelona with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, the latter having an astonishing season with 14 goals and 24 assists.
With this being the first leg in Spain, the match becomes even more crucial for Inter to end their poor streak, particularly since defender Benjamin Pavard will also be unavailable. The match setup favors Barcelona, but if Thuram plays, it could turn the tide.
Predicted lineups
- Barcelona XI: Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Gerard Martin, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Ferran Torres
- Inter XI: Yann Sommer; Yann Bisseck, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrik Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram.
How to watch FC Barcelona vs. Inter and odds
- Date: Wednesday, April 30 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: FC Barcelona -165; Draw +300; Inter +425
