3 things Inter need to look out for against Barcelona in the Champions League

This week, Inter travel to Spain to take on Barcelona in the semifinals of the Champions League. The Nerazzurri aren’t in good form, having lost 3 games in a row in all competitions. Barca are the exact opposites if anything, having won the Copa del Rey this weekend, beating Real Madrid in the final. In general, Barca are probably the favourites to lift the whole thing, given they have lost just once in 2025. So here are three things that Inter need to look out for when they travel to face the Catalans.

The midfield battle 

Inter have a very strong midfield in Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglou and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. However, Barca pack a phenomenal punch of their own in this regard. Pedri on form is probably the best in the world at the centre of the park presently and Frenkie De Jong has also been great. Whoever plays in the #10 position, be it the skillful Dani Olmo, fierce Gavi or energetic Fermin Lopez, Inter will have their task cut out in managing them.

Wing-back dilemma

Inter’s wing-backs, expected to be Matteo Darmian and Federico Dimarco for this game, are their main source of width in attack. They will know that Barca are often prone to being targeted in wide areas. That being said, if the wing-backs risks making runs forward too frequently, they might leave space behind for Barca’s wingers – Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Between the two of them, they have contributed to over 80 goals this season and are possibly the two front runners for the Ballon D’or.

Offside trap

For all Barca’s attacking excellence this season, the most distinctive thing about them under Hansi Flick has been the ridiculous high line and the extremely efficient offside trap that comes with it. The likes of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez have become experts in this regard, and it feels almost every time the Blaugrana concede now, the flag is expected to go up. The likes of Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram (if available) will have to be wary of this and start their runs from deeper.

Kaulik Mitra | GIFN