Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
Barcelona approach the first leg of the Champions League semi-final without Robert Lewandowski, who remains unavailable due to a thigh injury. That said, this is the squad’s only notable concern. Inter Milan, in contrast, are dealing with multiple issues ahead of their visit to Spain — a situation already reflected in their overall form.
Barcelona
Robert Lewandowski featured in the second leg of the quarter-finals against Borussia Dortmund on 15 April but was absent just a week later when FC Barcelona faced RCD Mallorca. While there is a possibility he could return in time, the question is whether it’s worth the risk, especially considering how effective the rest of the attacking unit has been. In the Copa del Rey final, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid (3:0), with Ferran Torres — who has stepped in as the central forward during Robert Lewandowski's absence — scoring one of the three goals. Under Hans-Dieter Flick, the team has secured back-to-back home victories in La Liga — a composed performance against RCD Mallorca and a more dynamic effort against Celta Vigo.
Inter Milan
Barcelona are expected to create numerous chances against the current version of Inter Milan. The team that knocked out Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals, scoring four goals over two legs, has since seen a significant drop in form. In the three matches that followed, they have largely undone their previous progress. Two 0:1 defeats in Serie A to rivals chasing European qualification and a heavy 0:3 loss to AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-finals have underlined their current fragility. Although Simone Inzaghi rotated his starting eleven during that stretch, the decision may ultimately cost them the Scudetto, with Napoli now just three points behind. Lautaro Martínez played nearly every minute of those three games but failed to score — hardly encouraging ahead of such a high-stakes European fixture.
Barcelona vs Inter Milan Prediction
While Inter Milan are likely to field their best available line-up, that may still fall short. Realistically, their best-case scenario appears to be a narrow defeat — and even that seems optimistic. With that in mind, the recommended bet is a handicap win for Barcelona.
