Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Luckster
With a spot in the final of this season’s Champions League hanging in the balance on Tuesday night, Inter Milan will welcome Barcelona to the San Siro.
Inter Milan
Starting with the hosts, leaving Catalonia with what was a pulsating 3-3 stalemate last week, Inter Milan will feel that they are sat in the driving seat when they return to the San Siro on Tuesday night. However, although Simone Inzaghi’s side might have claimed a much-welcomed boost over the weekend as they snatched a 1-0 victory against Verona, that is the only win that Inter have recorded from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Relinquishing their spot at the top of the Serie A table and three points adrift of bitter domestic rivals Napoli, the former Lazio boss has found some increasing pressure on his shoulders. Nevertheless, Inter Milan will be excited by their continued European dominance on home soil. In fact, Inzaghi’s men are unbeaten in all of their previous 15 consecutive Champions League showdowns at the San Siro – a run that stems all the way back to September 2022.
Inter Milan Team News
While skipper Lautaro Martinez might have missed out against Verona over the weekend with a knock, Inter Milan are hopeful that their attacking talisman will be able to make a full return here. However, although Benjamin Pavard might be recovering at a speedy rate, the former Bayern Munich defender faces a late fitness test.
Opening the scoring in Catalonia last week and recording a fourth Champions League goal of the season, French striker Marcus Thuram will be handed a full recall at the San Siro. Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer will return between the sticks on Tuesday night and replace Josep Martinez.
Barcelona
As for the visitors, while Barcelona might have been frustrated last week as they failed to collect a first-leg advantage on home soil, Hansi Flick’s men find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Leading the chase at the top of the La Liga table, the Spanish giants have embarked on a sensational rise since the former Bayern Munich boss arrived in Catalonia. Crowned Copa del Rey champions last month following a dramatic 3-2 win against arch-rivals Real Madrid, Barca are dreaming of the chance to complete an iconic silverware sweep in 2025. In fact, Tuesday’s guests have suffered just a single defeat across any competition so far this calendar year. Mounting a comeback away at Real Valladolid over the weekend as they secured a 2-1 victory and took a giant leap towards this year’s La Luga crown, Flick’s side find themselves pencilled in as a standout contender at the San Siro.
Barcelona Team News
In what could prove to be a huge boost for Barcelona on Tuesday night, Polis record-breaker Robert Lewandowski should return to Flick’s travelling squad after overcoming a hamstring issue. However, the defensive duo of Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde will miss out.
All handed a rest against Valladolid over the weekend, the likes of Raphinha, Frankie de Jong and 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal will make a full return here. Barcelona have already confirmed that veteran shot-stopper Wojciech Szczesny will return between the sticks in Milan.
Inter Milan vs Barcelona Key Factors to Consider
- When Inter Milan and Barcelona met for their first-leg showdown in Catalonia last week, Tuesday’s opponents played out a thrilling 3-3 stalemate.
- Barcelona have suffered just a single defeat across any competition so far this calendar year.
- Inter Milan are unbeaten in all of their last 15 consecutive Champions League showdowns at the San Siro.
- Five of Barcelona’s last six appearances across all fronts have finished with both teams finding the net.
- Brazilian superstar Raphinha has notched 12 goals in his 13 champions League appearances this season.
Conclusion
With the two European giants playing out a pulsating 3-3 stalemate when they met for their first-leg showdown in Catalonia last week, neutrals will be hoping for another Champions League thriller here. With a spot in the final of this year’s tournament firmly hanging in the balance, we are expecting chances to come thick and fast on Tuesday night. Likewise, with the Spanish giants seeing five of their last six battles across all competitions finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome from the San Siro.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Luckster
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
