MILAN, Italy — Inter Milan and FC Barcelona clash tonight in the decisive second leg of their Champions League semifinal at San Siro, kicking off at 21:00 local time. After a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg, both teams aim for a spot in the final in Munich.
Inter comes into this match with confidence, as they seek their second final in three years. Lautaro Martinez, the team captain, will start alongside Marcus Thuram despite not being fully fit. Coach Simone Inzaghi stated, “Lautaro is our captain; it’s essential for him to play. We’ll give everything to win.”
Barcelona, managed by Hans-Dieter Flick, will also have a strong squad despite resting star Robert Lewandowski. The Catalans will field a 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring Wojciech Szczęsny in goal and young talent Lamine Yamal as a key player to watch.
“This is a pivotal match for us; we must stand united,” said Henrik Mkhitaryan in an interview prior to the game. “Our focus isn’t just on one player, but on the entire Barcelona team.”
As the teams prepare for the crucial match, excitement fills the air at San Siro, where over 75,000 fans are expected to create an electric atmosphere. The match will also set a record for gate receipts, with an anticipated 14 million euros generated, exceeding past records for Italian clubs.
Before the match, Inter president Beppe Marotta expressed his hopes for success, stating, “We are aiming for a repeat of our memorable final experience from two years ago. Financially, this year has also been rewarding.”
The game promises to be intense, not only for its significance on the pitch but also for the clear rivalry and historical connections between the clubs. As fans gather and anticipation builds, the stage is set for a night of Champions League drama.
