Fitness Concerns for Barcelona and Inter Ahead of Champions League Semifinal Clash
Champions League/Soccer

Fitness Concerns for Barcelona and Inter Ahead of Champions League Semifinal Clash

As Barcelona prepares for its crucial Champions League semifinal second leg against Inter Milan, both teams are facing late injury concerns that could impact their performance.

It’s a pivotal week in European football as the UEFA Champions League semifinals draw to a close, starting with Barcelona’s crucial trip to Milan on Tuesday. The week holds such significance that viewers can catch the games on CBS and Paramount+, where David Beckham will launch the first edition of “Beckham and Friends,” an alternate live broadcast for both semifinal matches.

📺 Footy Fix

All times U.S./Eastern

Monday, May 5
🇮🇹 Serie A: Genoa vs. AC Milan, 2:45 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+
🏴 EPL: Crystal Palace vs. Nottingham Forest, 3 p.m. ➡️ USA Network

Tuesday, May 6
🇪🇺 UCL: Inter vs. Barcelona, 3 p.m. ➡️ CBS, Paramount+
🇺🇸 Open Cup: Tacoma Defiance vs. Portland Timbers, 10 p.m. ➡️ CBS Sports Network, Paramount+

⚽ The Forward Line

⚫🔵 Inter Aims for Upset Against Barcelona

Inter Milan, while gaining momentum, approaches the second leg as underdogs against Barcelona. Despite their home advantage and last week’s thrilling 3-3 draw, the Nerazzurri may face challenges due to injuries to Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard, making their availability a last-minute decision.

Inzaghi: “We’ll decide tomorrow with the staff and the players. They’ll have to tell me how they feel…”
(Translation: We will make a decision tomorrow with our staff and the players. They need to communicate how they are feeling.)

Marcus Thuram is anticipated to take center stage in Inter’s strategy for reaching the Champions League final, promising to capitalize on Barcelona’s vulnerabilities.

🔗 Midfield Link Play

🔵🔴 Barcelona’s Treble Ambitions Continue

Barcelona arrives in Milan eyeing a spot in the Champions League final, bolstered by Robert Lewandowski’s return after injury. The spotlight, however, is on rising star Lamine Yamal, who has quickly become crucial for the team’s attacking line.

Inzaghi: “We have to try not to let him get the ball, but it’s impossible…”
(Translation: We must attempt to deny him the ball, but achieving that will be a significant challenge.)

Barcelona’s attacking trio promises a potent threat, with the tie leaning heavily in their favor.

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