2025 UCL- Inter vs. Barcelona: Fireworks at San Siro?
by Tyler Doty
Another Thriller on Tuesday?
On Tuesday at 3:00 PM ET on CBS (Paramount+ for streaming), Inter hosts Barcelona, with a spot in the Champions League final on the line. The first leg lived up to the hype, ending in a 3-3 draw. That result showed that both sides know how to break each other down. Defense will need to be tightened up on both ends, but given the attacking style of both teams and their ability to capitalize on mistakes, this could turn into another wide-open match.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick showed confidence ahead of the return leg in Milan:
“For us, it’s important to show up the same way and with the same confidence. We have 90 minutes. That’s enough time to reach the final. That’s our goal.”
He’s especially encouraged by his team’s offensive firepower. “We’ll have our chances on Tuesday,” Flick added.
A match of this caliber naturally brings out the best talent. Top players decide games like these, especially attacking players who tend to steal the spotlight. That’s why goalscorer bets are especially popular at this stage of the competition. We’re keeping you up to date: who are the most likely scorers in this matchup?
A Match with Many Dimensions
There are plenty of factors that could decide this game. Barcelona received a boost with the return of Robert Lewandowski, who has recovered from injury and is back in the squad. Whether he starts remains unclear, as Flick hinted he might use him off the bench as a super-sub. Inter will need to keep an eye on him, but also focus on their own strengths.
One of those strengths is their set-piece execution, which proved crucial in the first leg. Inter scored twice off dead-ball situations. The wingbacks also play a big role, adding attacking width while maintaining balance across the pitch. There’s plenty to watch in this one.
Martinez & Pavard: Still Uncertain for the Return Leg
Looking at Inter’s squad, their goal-scoring is well spread out. In the first leg, even wingback Denzel Dumfries scored twice. Lautaro Martinez didn’t find the net in that match, but he did score in both knockout games against Bayern. The Argentine has past experience against Barcelona too, having scored in the group stage a few years ago. Lautaro missed out in Milan's 1-0 victory over Verona over the weekend due to an injury he sustained in the first leg. News coming out of the Milan locker room is still unclear whether the star forward will be available today.
Also questionable in this matchup is French star defender Benjamin Pavard. Milan Coach shed little light on the state of his star forward and defender for tonight's matchup, noting that they definitely aren't available for 90 minutes of play. Inzaghi's message indicates that the players are at least healthy enough to sub in if needed.
Lewandowski Is Back, But Not the Top Option
Yes, Robert Lewandowski is back on Barcelona’s squad, but, similarly to Lautaro and Pavard, there’s a real chance he will spend significant time on the bench, especially given his recent injury. Our Inter vs Barcelona preview reflects that concern. That’s why Raphinha should be the focus again. He’s having a standout season and has already scored over 10 goals in the Champions League alone. Sportsbooks see the Brazilian as a top scoring threat, with odds between +140 and just under +200.
