
UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals Preview: Inter vs Barcelona & PSG vs Arsenal
Inter Milan vs Barcelona (May 6, 21:00 CET, San Siro)
First Leg Recap
The first leg at Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Barcelona came from behind twice, with the final equalizer credited as an own goal by Inter keeper Yann Sommer. Inter now return to San Siro, where they haven't lost a Champions League match since September 2022.
Key Talking Points
- Lautaro Martínez: The Inter captain picked up a hamstring injury in the first leg. His availability is in doubt. If he misses the match, Mehdi Taremi or Marko Arnautović are expected to start.
- Lamine Yamal: The 17-year-old became the youngest player ever to score in a UCL semi-final. Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni called him "the best winger I’ve faced."
- Robert Lewandowski: The veteran striker has recovered from a knock and is in the squad but is expected to start on the bench.
Expected Lineups & Injury News
Inter Milan:
- Doubts: Lautaro Martínez (hamstring), Benjamin Pavard (leg)
- Probable XI: Sommer; Bastoni, Acerbi, Bisseck; Dimarco, Mkhitaryan, Çalhanoğlu, Barella, Dumfries; Taremi, Thuram
Barcelona:
- Out: Jules Koundé, Alejandro Balde (injuries)
- Probable XI: Śczęsny; García, Araújo, Cubarsí, Martínez; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres
Paris Saint-Germain vs Arsenal (May 7, 21:00 CET, Parc des Princes)
First Leg Recap
PSG secured a narrow 1-0 win at the Emirates Stadium, courtesy of a goal from Ousmane Dembélé. Arsenal will need a strong away performance in Paris to turn the tie around.
Key Talking Points
- Ousmane Dembélé: Returned to training after a slight knock and is expected to start.
- Thomas Partey: Back from suspension, allowing Declan Rice to push further forward.
- Tactical Balance: Arsenal must press for a goal while staying cautious of PSG’s rapid counters.
Expected Lineups & Injury News
PSG:
- Doubt: Ousmane Dembélé (minor injury)
- Probable XI: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fabián; Dembélé, Dūe, Kvaratskhelia
Arsenal:
- Out: Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhães, Takehiro Tomiyasu (injuries)
- Probable XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Ødegaard; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
What's at Stake?
The winners of these semi-finals will meet in the Champions League final on May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich. With each tie finely poised, expect high-intensity football, tactical battles, and individual brilliance to define Europe’s biggest stage.
Stay tuned for post-match analysis and more Champions League coverage here on FootyRoom.
Published by Patrick Jane
06.05.2025