The stage is set for an electrifying Champions League semifinal second leg as Inter Milan hosts Barcelona at the iconic San Siro on Tuesday, May 6th. After a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first encounter, both European giants will battle for a coveted spot in the final.
The opening match showcased remarkable moments, with Marcus Thuram etching his name in the competition's history by scoring the fastest goal ever in a Champions League semifinal—just 30 seconds after kickoff. Denzel Dumfries also starred for Inter with two goals from set pieces, though the Nerazzurri twice surrendered their advantage in Spain.
Returning to their fortress in Milan provides significant comfort for Simone Inzaghi's side, who boast an impressive 15-match unbeaten run in Champions League home fixtures, winning 12 of those contests. The Italian outfit's defensive solidity and pragmatic approach have been their hallmarks, and they'll likely rely on these strengths again despite potential concerns over the availability of key players Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard.
Nine members of Inter's current squad experienced the heartbreak of last year's final defeat to Manchester City—a motivation that could fuel their determination to go one step further this campaign.
According to Statbet analysis, Barcelona's away record in Champions League semifinals presents a significant vulnerability—they've managed just two victories in 13 such fixtures and have lost their last four consecutive away semifinal matches.
Nevertheless, Hansi Flick's Barcelona arrive in formidable condition, having secured 24 wins from their last 30 matches across all competitions. The Catalans currently lead La Liga, have already claimed the Spanish Cup, and have netted an impressive 40 goals in this season's Champions League—more than any other team in the competition.
The remarkable Lamin Yamal, who became the youngest goalscorer in Champions League semifinal history at just 17 years old during the first leg, symbolizes Barcelona's creative renaissance alongside the in-form Raphinha. Both players posed constant threats in the initial encounter and will be central to Barça's aspirations of overcoming their semifinal away hoodoo.
With the San Siro set to provide an intimidating atmosphere and both teams showcasing tremendous attacking talent in the first leg, this return fixture promises to deliver another captivating chapter in this season's Champions League narrative.
