Good evening everybody and welcome along to another MARCA in English live blog, and we have a mouth-watering Champions League semifinal first leg clash tonight between Barcelona and Inter at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
Fifteen years have passed since their last encounter at this stage, a tie that saw Inter’s 2010 triumph en route to their third European title. Hansi Flick, in his debut European season with Barcelona, has revitalized the Catalan club’s identity, infusing attacking flair and tactical discipline.
After advancing past Benfica and comfortably dispatching Borussia Dortmund despite a second-leg loss, Barcelona are back in the semifinal for the first time since 2019. The Blaugrana also carry red-hot domestic form into the tie. They clinched a dramatic Copa del Rey title against archrivals Real Madrid, and currently top LaLiga by four points.
Their confidence is matched by their home dominance, where they’ve netted 21 goals in six Champions League games at Montjuic this season. Inter have been a model of consistency under Simone Inzaghi, reaching the final in 2023 and now seeking a return trip. They topped their group alongside Barcelona with 19 points and then ousted Feyenoord and Bayern Munich with a blend of clinical finishing and defensive grit.
Inzaghi‘s team has allowed just five goals in the Champions League this season, keeping eight clean sheets in the process. With Inzaghi set to manage his 50th match in the competition, he brings a record of 26 wins — the most ever by an Italian coach through that milestone.
Barcelona vs Inter LIVE – Latest News
Barcelona vs Inter – Team News
Barcelona are still without Robert Lewandowski, sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Alejandro Balde faces a late fitness test. If unavailable, Gerard Martin is expected to step in at left-back. Marc-Andre ter Stegen has returned to the squad but Wojciech Szczesny should continue in goal. Up front, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, who have combined for five Champions League goals and 16 created chances, will flank Ferran Torres.
Inter’s attack is led by the prolific Lautaro Martinez, who has scored in five consecutive European appearances. His strike partner Marcus Thuram, recovering from a thigh injury, may return, while backup options Correa, Arnautovic, and Taremi remain on standby. Defensively, Inter hope Benjamin Pavard can recover in time, while Dumfries and Zielinski returned against Roma. Suspended players Bastoni and Mkhitaryan in Serie A are eligible and expected to start.
Barcelona possible starting XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Martin; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres
Inter Milan possible starting XI: Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Thuram
Where to watch Barcelona vs Inter?
For fans in the United Kingdom, Barcelona vs Inter can be seen on TNT Sports 1 (discovery+). Fans in Ireland can tune in via RTE, Virgin and Livescore.
US-based fans will be able to see Barcelona vs Inter on CBS Sports and TUDN.
What time does Barcelona vs Inter start?
Barcelona vs Inter is a 21:00 CEST kick-off, which is local time in Spain. That means fans in the UK and Ireland can watch the game at 20:00 BST.
Fans in the USA can tune in to watch Barcelona vs Inter at 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT.
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