GIUSEPPE MEAZZA UNDER SIEGE: INTER AND BARCELONA BATTLE FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL AFTER WILD DRAW

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May 6, 2025

Giuseppe Meazza, Milan, Italy

The legendary Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan is preparing for a magnificent football evening. On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Inter Milan will welcome FC Barcelona on their home ground in the second leg of the Champions League semifinal. After a dramatic first match that ended in a 3-3 draw, progression to the final remains wide open, and both European giants have a chance to reach the coveted final in London.

Inter Milan enters the second leg with a fresh dose of confidence. After an uncomfortable series of five matches without a win, Simone Inzaghi's team managed to defeat Verona 1-0 over the weekend, keeping them in the race for the Italian title, though they still trail league leaders Napoli by three points. The win wasn't spectacular – decided by a penalty in the ninth minute – but it represents an important mental boost for the team.

In the first semifinal match at Camp Nou, Inter twice held the lead (2-0 and 3-2), but ultimately came away with "only" a 3-3 draw. The reigning Italian champions, however, are exceptionally strong at home in European competitions – they haven't lost their last seven home Champions League matches and have won five of their six games at Giuseppe Meazza this season.

A major complication for Inter is the absence of their top scorer Lautaro Martinez, who injured his hamstring in the first match. The Argentine marksman, who has scored eight goals in the current Champions League campaign, will be sorely missed. His place in attack will likely be taken by Marko Arnautović or Mehdi Taremi.

"The loss of Lautaro is significant, but we have a quality squad and believe that we can defeat Barcelona even without him," coach Inzaghi stated resolutely at the pre-match press conference.

Barcelona under Hansi Flick's leadership is experiencing a fantastic season and still nurtures hope for a treble – triumphs in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. In their domestic competition, they hold a seven-point lead over second place and are on course for the title.

The Catalans have been trailing in each of their last three matches but managed to turn the score around every time! Most recently over the weekend against Real Valladolid (2-1), which only confirms the team's mental strength. Barcelona has an impressive away record – from their last 18 matches on opponents' grounds, they have lost only once (to Borussia Dortmund in the previous round).

Barcelona's main offensive weapon is Raphinha, who has already scored 12 goals in this Champions League season, although he has been silent in the last two matches. Positive news for Flick's team is the return of Robert Lewandowski from injury – the Polish striker, who has 11 goals in this Champions League season, could be ready to come off the bench.

"It will be a difficult match in Milan, but we have the quality to advance," Flick confidently stated at the pre-match press conference. "We showed in the first match that we can overturn even a two-goal deficit."

Given the open score from the first match and the offensive qualities of both teams, another goal-filled spectacle can be expected. Inter will want to capitalize on their home advantage and build on their excellent performance from Camp Nou, while Barcelona will rely on the strength of their attack and ability to overturn unfavorable scores.

The key factors for the second leg will be Martinez's absence in Inter's attack, the defensive problems of both teams that manifested in the first match, the performances of goalkeepers Sommer and Ter Stegen, the tactical battle between coaches Inzaghi and Flick, and also the atmosphere at the sold-out Giuseppe Meazza stadium, which will drive the home team toward advancement.

Photo: source XYZ