Verdict: Barcelona win & Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/1
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Two camps getting their respective Champions League semi-final adventures underway on Wednesday night, Barcelona will welcome Inter Milan to Catalonia.
Barcelona
Starting with the hosts, while some around Catalonia might have been surprised last summer following Hansi Flick’s arrival as Xavi’s permeant successor, Barcelona have embarked on a sensational rise under the former Bayern Munich boss. Making even more history earlier in the week as they were crowned Copa del Rey champions thanks to a dramatic 3-2 win against arch-rivals, Real Madrid, the Spanish giants are dreaming of the chance to complete an iconic silverware sweep. Continuing to receive a string of plaudits from across the continent, Barcelona find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Holding a four-point buffer at the top of the La Liga table, Flick’s men will be looking to lay down another marker in Catalonia. Gaining a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, Wednesday’s hosts will be confident of claiming a crucial first-leg advantage.
Barcelona Team News
Picking up a hamstring injury against Celta Vigo earlier in the month, Barcelona will once again be without attacking talisman Robert Lewandowski. Likewise, dealing with his own respective hamstring issue, Alejandro Balde remains a major doubt.
Enjoying what has been a remarkable European romp this season and notching 12 goals in as many Champions League appearances, ex-Leeds ace Raphinha will play a leading role. Quickly blossoming into one of Europe’s hottest defensive starlets, 18-year-old Pau Cubarsi will partner Inigo Martinez at the back.
Inter Milan
As for the visitors, although Inter Milan might have collected a real European scalp earlier in the month as they collected a 4-3 aggregate win against German giants Bayern Munich, Simone Inzaghi’s men have come crashing back down to earth over the past fortnight. Watching their Coppa Italia adventure come to a thumping end last week as they fell to a 3-0 drumming against arch-rivals AC Milan, the Nerazzurri have come under some real scrutiny. Failing to claim a much-needed boost over the weekend as they were hit with a 1-0 defeat at home against Roma, Inter Milan have lost each of their previous three appearances across all competitions. Enduring their longest losing rut since way back in 2019, the former Lazio boss will be bracing himself for a heavyweight challenge in Catalonia.
Inter Milan Team News
Limping off against Roma in the opening minutes with a reported ankle injury, Inter Milan are expected to be without former Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard on Wednesday night. Likewise, in what is a real blow for Inzaghi’s camp, French international Marcus Thuram will miss out in Catalonia.
However, making a cameo appearance off the bench against Roma on Sunday, Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries could make a first Champions League outing since the start of March. Notching eight European goals this season, Lautaro Martinez will spearhead Inter’s charge.
Barcelona vs Inter Milan Key Factors to Consider
- When Barcelona and Inter Milan last met for a Champions League showdown back in October 2022, Wednesday’s opponents played out a thrilling 3-3 stalemate in Catalonia.
- Barcelona have suffered just a single defeat across any competition so far this calendar year.
- Inter Milan have lost each of their previous three appearances across all competitions.
- In fact, this is the first time since 2019 that the Nerazzurri have suffered three consecutive defeats.
- Brazilian ace Raphinha has recorded 12 goals in as many Champions League appearances this season.
Conclusion
Crowned Copa del Rey champions earlier in the week following a sensational 3-2 victory against arch-rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Suffering just a single defeat across any competition so far this calendar year, Wednesday’s hosts will be smelling the chance to claim a crucial first-leg advantage here. With Inter Milan suffering three consecutive defeats for the first time since 2019, we are backing what could be an enjoyable home win in Catalonia.
Verdict: Barcelona win & Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/1
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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