As Barcelona prepare to host Inter in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday night, here is a look at some of the key battles that could influence the result between the two European giants.
Barcelona vs. Inter: Four key battles to watch
Ferran Torres vs. Francesco Acerbi
With Robert Lewandowski out injured, ex-Man City forward Ferran Torres is expected to start as a false nine for the Catalans and to go up against Francesco Acerbi in the middle of Inter’s back three on Wednesday night.
Acerbi has earned a positive reputation for some of his performances against top-level centre-forwards over the course of the 2024-25 season.
The 37-year-old was credited with nullifying Erling Haaland during the 0-0 draw between Inter and Manchester City earlier this season, and also played particularly well up against Harry Kane in the first leg of the quarter-final victory over Bayern Munich.
Lamine Yamal vs. Alessandro Bastoni
Barcelona boast one of the most dangerous attacking units on the planet with their line-up of Lewandowski (now injured), Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. The latter, still only 17 years of age, is having a stellar season in 2024-25, with four goals and four assists from 11 Champions League appearances, on top of his six goals and 14 assists in LaLiga.
Assuming that he will play in his natural position off Barcelona’s right wing, he will go up against Alessandro Bastoni on the left of Inter’s back three.
The 26-year-old has grown to become one of Europe’s finest defenders, and is currently playing in a back line that has only conceded five goals in 12 Champions League matches so far this season.
Pedri vs. Nicolo Barella
The midfield battle will be key in the fight for control over the game on Wednesday night. Frenkie De Jong and Pedri are expected to start in a double pivot for Barcelona, while Inter are not expected to change from their preferred midfield three of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Within that battle will be an interesting match-up between Barella and Pedri, who are both considered among the finest midfielders that Europe has to offer.
Barella boasts a valuable trait in that he is often as effective out of possession as he is on the ball, and will be able to cause Barcelona a lot of issues with his tireless pressing and ability on the counter attack if he performs to his best.
Pau Cubarsi/Ronald Araujo vs. Lautaro Martinez/Marcus Thuram
While Barcelona have one of the strongest attacking departments in the world, Inter are not without their own threats up front.
Fortunately for the Nerazzurri, Marcus Thuram is in line to return to the starting line-up after a three-game absence, which has coincided with a run of three losses in Serie A and the Coppa Italia without the Frenchman in the line-up.
With Lautaro Martinez and his eight Champions League goals so far in 2024-25, Pau Cubarsi and Ronald Araujo will also have to keep their wits about them if they are to keep the Nerazzurri attackers out in Barcelona.
Treble championships never crossed my mind from the beginning. First, the level of our current squad is inferior to Mourinho’s 2009/2010 squad. Secondly, we even lost to mediocre club like Roms ffs ! Why would & how could we win another treble?