FC Barcelona’s Champion League and treble hopes hang in a balance, ahead of their 2nd leg clash with Inter Milan. Robert Lewandowski is reported to be ready for the upcoming game and that offers a big lifeline. But Alex Balde is still not ready, and his absence amplifies some big fears. The stakes could have never been higher for Barca in the past ten years, as season defining glory or another European heartbreak is on the brink.
Lewa Returns: Can the Veteran Redeem Barca Against Inter?
Robert Lewandowski has been dearly missed since his injury a few weeks ago. He has been Barca’s top scorer this season and has had a real influence for the Catalans as their main spearhead this season. Without the Polish center forward, Barca has managed to keep scoring but the attacks have looked toothless on many occassions.
Lewandowski helps not just in attack but his aerial presence, hold-up play and set-piece defending has also been hugely missed in the past few games. Barca has struggled in defending set-pieces where Robert plays a big part in defending. For the upcoming hostile UCL clash in San Siro, Lewandowski’s experience and skills will prove vital for this young Barca side.
Alex Balde is not Ready to Return for the Inter Clash
While some reports claimed earlier this week that Balde might be available against Inter, it has been confirmed that the left-back has still some pain in his hamstring. Hence he will not feature. It’s a huge blow as Gerard Martin struggled against Dumfries on the flank and offered no width for Raphinha to cash in from.
Flick might go with Inigo Martinez as the left-back who is a lot better in defending the flank. However, without Balde, Barca miss a player who progresses the ball, creates chances and also defends well on the counter. Injuries have really struck Barca at the worst time since right-back Kounde will also miss the Inter-clash.
Options For Hansi Flick At Full-Back
As said earlier, Flick might choose Inigo Martinez over Gerard Martin at left-back spot. And that would be the sensible choice too, because Martinez is better aerially and technically. However, the right-back spot is still a big question. Who will feature at Barca’s right?
While common talk is regarding Ronald Araujo to play as right-back, as Xavi used to do, it’s fair to say that Eric Garcia is a bigger candidate to start. That is because Eric is a lot better on the ball than Ronald, and has already shown signs of promise in some games playing as a right-back.
Have the Catalans Learned from Past UCL collapses?
The UCL semi-final second leg is once again on the Catalan radar. The ghosts of Roma and Liverpool still haunt this fixture, and it’s time to learn from those mistakes. The current team is young and confident but experience is very important in weathering these storms.
It’s time for Araujo, Ter Stegen, and Lewandowski to lead from the front because San Siro might be suffocating. However good Flick’s tactics are and his team is, Inter will surely test Barca’s resolve. With the high presses, physical duels, and time-wasting techniques, Inzaghi’s men will do everything to win. If the first whistle triggers panic instead of poise, Barca’s worst nightmares could replay in Milan.