Inter Milan secured three away goals in their Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona, ending in a 3-3 draw, as they prepare for Tuesday’s return leg. The match showcased Barcelona’s 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, who scored a stunning goal after Inter’s early 2-0 lead, while both teams face injury concerns ahead of the crucial second leg.
Barcelona’s attacking prowess is led by Raphinha, who has netted 12 goals in the competition, surpassing teammate Robert Lewandowski’s tally of 11. The Brazilian forward presents a constant threat with his long-range shooting and versatile attacking movements.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Barcelona’s defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern as coach Hansi Flick faces crucial decisions, including keeping Wojciech Szczesny in goal despite Marc-André ter Stegen’s recovery from a knee injury.
The six-time Champions League winners Barcelona face Inter Milan, who are pursuing their fourth title. Inter’s last triumph came in 2010 when they defeated Barcelona in the semifinals.
Both teams are dealing with injury setbacks. Barcelona’s Jules Koundé suffered a left hamstring injury in the first leg, while Lewandowski, who needs one more goal to reach 100 for Barcelona, is managing a minor left leg injury.
Inter Milan’s captain Lautaro Martínez was also injured in the first leg, while Marcus Thuram, who scored an impressive back-heel flick, recently returned from a thigh injury.
Form guide
Inter Milan: LLLDW
Barcelona: WWWDW
Head-to-head
- Matches: 13
- Inter Milan wins: 2
- Barcelona wins: 6
- Draw: 5
PSG vs Arsenal (1-0)
In the other semi-final, Paris Saint-Germain holds a 1-0 advantage over Arsenal heading into Wednesday’s second leg. PSG’s top scorer Ousmane Dembélé, with 33 goals, is hoping to recover from a minor hamstring injury sustained in the first leg.
Neither PSG nor Arsenal have won the Champions League before, though both have reached the final previously. While PSG appeared in last season’s semifinals, Arsenal have reached this stage for the first time since 2009.
Luis Enrique has transformed PSG following Kylian Mbappe’s departure to Real Madrid, creating a cohesive unit. The team has gained renewed belief among fans despite recent domestic setbacks, including a 2-1 loss to Strasbourg.
The PSG coach rested key players for the league match, prioritising the Champions League campaign. However, the team’s attacking threat is diminished without Dembélé’s presence.
Arsenal’s preparation suffered a setback with a 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth. Coach Mikel Arteta plans to use the team’s negative emotions as motivation for the PSG clash.
Arsenal faced tactical challenges in the first leg, with PSG dominating possession and scoring through a 26-pass move finished by Dembélé. Key player Bukayo Saka struggled against PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, whose defensive and attacking abilities proved crucial.
Poll
Who do you think will win the second leg of the Inter Milan vs Barcelona match?
The London side’s captain Martin Ødegaard’s positioning was problematic, as his advanced role allowed PSG to control the midfield before he eventually dropped deeper.
Form guide
PSG: WDLWL
Arsenal: WWDLL
Head-to-head
- Matches: 4
- PSG wins: 1
- Arsenal wins: 1
- Draws: 2
When is the second leg of the UEFA Champions League?
Inter Milan vs Barcelona on 7 May at 00:30am IST.
PSG vs Arsenal on 8 May at 00:30am IST.
Where will the second-leg of the UEFA Champions League be played?
Inter Milan vs Barcelona semi-final second leg will be played at the San Siro in Milan.
PSG vs Arsenal semi-final second leg will be played at the Parc des Princes in Paris.
Where to watch the UEFA Champions League matches live in India?
The UEFA Champions League matches will be live on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)
How to live stream UEFA Champions League matches?
The UEFA Champions League matches can also be live streamed on SonyLiv app and website.
