Barcelona Clash with Inter Milan: Analysis, Predictions, and Recommended Wagers
Overview:Barcelona faces Inter Milan in a pivotal match, not a quarter-final first leg but the semi-final first leg of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. Barcelona last hoisted this trophy in 2015 and comes into the clash, having already clinched the Copa del Rey. Inter Milan, on the other hand, has lost their last three games. Let's dive into what you can expect from this titanic showdown!
*Match:* Barcelona vs Inter MilanWhen: Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 21:00
Barcelona Form
Barcelona is on a roll this season, having already hoisted two domestic trophies and gunning for a quadruple. Their recent 28 matches saw them lose only once. They outclassed Dortmund 4-0 in the quarter-final first leg before a 1-0 win at Leganes in La Liga. A 3-1 loss at Dortmund in the second leg ended their impressive 24-match unbeaten streak. Remarkable comeback victories followed, with a 4-3 home win vs Celta Vigo and a 1-0 triumph vs Mallorca, leading up to their 3-2 extra-time victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.
*Bet Now: Barcelona vs Inter Milan*## Barcelona Team News
Coach Hansi Flick will have the same squad at his disposal as for the cup final. Marc-André ter Stegen is back but will have to settle for a spot on the bench. Marc Bernal and Marc Cassado will sit this one out. Alejandro Balde is closing in on a return at left back, but the encounter arrives too soon for the injured Robert Lewandowski, who is troubled by a hamstring complaint. Ferran Torres might feature as the central striker, while Gavi and Fermín López could inject some fresh energy into the midfield.
Barcelona Motivation
Flick's side is playing some exhilarating football and will tirelessly assault Inter Milan in this first leg. Barcelona aims to accumulate a two-goal advantage for the second leg and anything less than a win would be a significant disappointment.
Inter Milan Form
Inter Milan has recently endured a three-game losing streak after an impressive 13-match unbeaten stretch. Their recent losses have seen them slip to second place in Serie A with only four matches remaining on the schedule. Following a 2-2 draw at Parma in the league, they secured a 2-1 win at Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final first leg. They conceded 20 shots and 2.30 xG during that victory. A 3-1 victory vs Cagliari followed. Their Champions League run continued with a 2-2 draw at home to Bayern Munich in the second leg, completing their semifinal qualification. Three consecutive losses followed that result. Inter succumbed to a 1-0 loss at Bologna and a 3-0 drubbing by AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-finals. The concluding match before the Champions League encounter against Barcelona ended with a 1-0 defeat at home to Roma, despite Inter conceding 19 shots and five significant opportunities.
Inter Milan Team News
Coach Simone Inzaghi is concerned about Benjamin Pavard's injury, which forced him to leave the Roma match early, and he might miss this encounter. Valentin Carboni is out injured, while Marcus Thuram remains uncertain regarding his availability up front. Right wingback Denzel Dumfries and central midfielder Piotr Zielinski are now available again. Alessandro Bastoni and Henrikh Mkhitaryan missed the previous match but are expected to be fit for the upcoming fixture.
*Guide:* How To Bet## Inter Milan Motivation
Inter has been beaten down by three successive losses and many changes within their starting lineup. Inzaghi's team will approach this first leg cautiously, endeavoring to minimize the damage. A draw would be perceived as a victory, while a one-goal defeat would offer them a realistic chance in the second leg.
Key Stats
- Barcelona has won 24 of their last 29 matches (4 draws, 1 loss)
- Barcelona's Raphinha has scored 15 goals in his last 14 matches in this competition
- Inter Milan has lost their last 3 matches (13 unbeaten before that)
- Inter Milan has lost 5 of their last 6 visits to Barcelona (13 goals conceded)
*Betting Odds Calculator*## Verdict
Barcelona is in sublime form right now and boasts a great record at home vs Inter. I foresee a first-leg win for Hansi Flick's team, with both sides finding the back of the net.
*Best Bet:* Barcelona win at 1.60Value Bet: Barcelona win and both teams to score at 2.87Anytime Goalscorer Tip: Raphinha at 2.30
Betting Predictionsbetting tipsEditor's ChoiceeplPredictionsPremier LeagueSoccer bettingJames O'ConnorJames is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He possesses the UEFA A coaching license and has previously worked for numerous clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: @footy_analysis
- Barcelona, currently on a roll this season, aims to secure a two-goal advantage in the semi-final first leg of the UEFA Champions League against Inter Milan.
- Barcelona's Raphinha has been scoring consistently, netting 15 goals in his last 14 matches in this competition.
- Inter Milan, who have lost their last three games, will approach the clash cautiously, seeking to minimize the damage in the first leg.
- In the Champions League, Inter Milan has lost five of their last six visits to Barcelona, conceding 13 goals during this period.
- Key striker Robert Lewandowski is troubled by a hamstring complaint and is unlikely to feature for Barcelona.
- Piotr Zielinski, who missed Inter Milan's previous match, is now available for selection.
- James O'Connor, a football analyst with a UEFA A coaching license, predicts a first-leg win for Barcelona, with both sides finding the back of the net.
- Raphinha is selected as the any-time goalscorer tip, with odds of 2.30, for the Barcelona vs Inter Milan match.
