Live Commentary: Inter Milan Clashes with Barcelona in Champions League Rematch, Continuing Their Previous Thrilling Encounter
Tonight's Showdown: Inter Milan vs Barcelona for a Ticket to the Champions League Final on talkSPORT
Get ready for a thrilling clash as Inter Milan and Barcelona square off in a highly-anticipated Champions League semifinal rematch, live on talkSPORT. The teams are all tied up after a nail-biting 3-3 draw in the first leg, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown at the San Siro.
In what can only be described as one of the games of the season, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal stole the show in the first game with a mesmerizing display. Inter Milan's defense struggled to contain the young phenom, with Federico Dimarco being substituted off before the 60-minute mark due to his inability to cope with Yamal's onslaught.
The match was a dance of contrasts, with Inter looking to catch Barcelona off-guard on the counterattack, while Hansi Flick's men opted for an extremely aggressive approach. The spectacle left fans begging for more, and it wouldn't be a shock if the second leg delivers just as much excitement.
The victorious team will face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in Munich to round off the season.
## Digging Deeper:
Yamal's Breakthrough Performance
Yamal's performance in the first leg was so impressive that former Inter player Simone Inzaghi commented that he would need to assign three men to keep the teenage sensation in check. His goal was an extraordinary effort, as he danced his way into the box before slotting home the far corner.
Being such a threat to Inter's defense, they will undoubtedly be dreading the prospect of facing him once more.
However, neutrals everywhere are hoping for Yamal to continue his stardom and put on another show against Inter.
Interesting Facts and Figures
- This will be the 18th major European meeting between Internazionale and Barcelona, with only Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid (28), Juventus vs Real Madrid (21) and Inter vs Real Madrid (19) played more often in history.
- Barcelona have won just one of their six away UEFA Champions League matches against Internazionale (D3 L2), a 2-1 win in December 2019.
- The first leg between Inter and Barcelona ended 3-3. Only three UEFA Champions League semifinals have seen 10+ goals scored on aggregate: Juventus 6-4 Monaco (1997-98), Liverpool 7-6 Roma (2017-18) and Real Madrid 6-5 Man City (2021-22).
Team News:
- Inter will be without their captain and star man Lautaro Martinez, due to a hamstring injury sustained during the first leg. Medhi Taremi is expected to step in up front, with Marcus Thuram also likely to feature.
- Benjamin Pavard is also out for Inter. Barcelona made plenty of changes at the weekend, but Yamal and the rest of the starting XI are expected to return. Marc-Andre ter Stegen is back from injury, but he faces a challenge to displace Wojciech Szczesny in goal.
Key Quotes:
"We have to try to keep the ball from getting to him, but it's impossible," said Inter manager Simone Inzaghi about stopping Yamal. "He will obviously be double-marked, he'll be a marked man, and we'll try to pay close attention to him. Seeing him live, he's an incredible talent, truly very dangerous - everyone gives him the ball. What impressed me was his speed of thought; he always knows what play to make."
*Raphinha has had a hand in 20 goals in this season's UEFA Champions League (12 goals, 8 assists), with only Cristiano Ronaldo in 2013-14 (17 goals, 4 assists) having more in one season.
*After one goal in his first 39 UEFA Champions League appearances, Internazionale's Denzel Dumfries scored twice in the first leg. Should either he or teammate Marcus Thuram score in this game, they'd be the first to score in both legs of a European Cup semifinal for Inter since Giacinto Facchetti in 1966-67.
*Pedri has completed 721 passes in this season's UEFA Champions League, the most by a Spanish midfielder in a season for Barcelona since Sergio Busquets in 2018-19 (903).
Turn on live commentary for Inter Milan vs Barcelona on talkSPORT here
This Champions League semi-final second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, with kick-off set for 8pm UK time.
Tune in to talkSPORT for live coverage from Italy, with Adrian Durham serving as your host, as well as Joe Shennan and former Chelsea defender Scott Minto on commentary.
Listen live via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Stay updated with regular updates on talkSPORT's website during the match.
Bet on Inter Milan vs Barcelona with talkSPORT BET here
TalkSPORT BET Odds:
- To win the match:
- Inter Milan - 13/8
- Draw - 11/4
- Barcelona - 29/10
- To qualify:
- Inter Milan - 37/40
- Barcelona - 31/40
- Fans of football and MMA alike are buzzing with excitement about the upcoming Champions League semifinal between Inter Milan and Barcelona, to be heard live on talkSPORT.
- The second leg promises to be as thrilling as the first, with both teams eager to clinch a spot in the Champions League Final.
- With Inter Milan's captain, Lautaro Martinez, injured and Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen challenging Wojciech Szczesny for the starting goalkeeper spot, there are several key factors that could influence the outcome of the match.
- As Inter Milan prepares to face Barcelona once more, former Inter player Simone Inzaghi has warned that 17-year-old phenom, Lamine Yamal, will be carefully watched and double-marked.
- A victory for either team will put them up against Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in Munich, and a dramatic semifinal rematch awaits in the Champions League.
- Tune in to talkSPORT for live commentary, as well as regular updates, during the Champions League semifinal second leg between Inter Milan and Barcelona.
- Don't miss the action and place your bets on the winners with talkSPORT BET. Will Inter Milan secure their spot in the Champions League Final, or will Barcelona make a comeback bid? The choice is yours. Bet now with talkSPORT BET.
