FC Barcelona will face Inter Milan on 30th, April at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. This will be the first-leg tie of the UEFA Champions League semi-final tie between both sides. FC Barcelona will be playing in the semi-final of this European Competition after seven long years. This game is a proper tactical battle between two very experienced coaches. Barcelona has the upper hand with the momentum of winning games, especially a big boost after winning the Copa del Rey trophy against Real Madrid in the previous game. On the other hand, Inter were also in great form until they suffered defeats in Serie A, against Bologna and AS Roma. Both sides line up into this game with major missing.
Confirmed Lineups
Hansi Flick has decided to go with Barcelona’s best possible starting eleven. This is the same lineup that was picked by Hansi Flick against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey Final. As discussed in the pre-match article this is a lineup with a mix of youth and experience. The squad is without some important names missing for this tie. Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde missed the first leg due to injuries. Barcelona’s confirmed starting lineup: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Martin; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Ferran.
The Italian side also had some major players being injured, including Benjamin Pavard and Marcus Thurram. There were doubts about starting Marcus Thurram, but it’s confirmed he will start. Simone Inzaghi has made a setup in their familiar 3-5-2. Yann Sommer starting in goal, with Bastoni, Acerbi, and Bisseck being at the back. In midfield, Çalhanoğlu, Barella and Mkhitaryan. Lautaro Martínez and Thurram are expected to lead up top. With the width being covered by dangerous Dumfries and Dimarco.
What Should Barca Do?
Barcelona should remain in a compact shape when without possession and leave a spare man behind to defend Inter’s quick transitions. The offside trap and high-line tactic would be a risky chance in this high-intensity game. Inter is one of the best teams when it comes to counterattacks, so Flick should plan the defense so that way we don’t get exposed. We already have messed up our high-line tactic in games against Celta Vigo and Borussia Dortmund, so we should be alert. Gerard Martin being the weak link should hold the possession more and avoid risking overlapping runs, the left side would be a win-win area if the pitch for attacking. For the attacking part of the game, Olmo would be significant for us. He is in great form and his quick touches and turn can open up chances up front. Inter’s wingers Dimarco and Dumfries are always in attacking positions when Inter gives the ball. When Barcelona gets the ball back, Barcelona can use the width for quick transitions with Lamine and Raphinha. This can be helped by Cubarsi and Inigo playing accurate long balls towards the wingers to create more chances. Overall this would be a game full of tactical battles, Inter will be looking to get a goalless result as their defense is top in Europe. On the other hand, Barcelona will want to continue their attacking powerhouse.