UEFA Champions League analysis: Barcelona vs Inter Milan - Five key battles and score prediction

Spanish giants Barcelona host the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final vs Inter Milan on Wednesday night.

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Dejan Johal assesses five key battles which will prove decisive in the showdown.

Lamine Yamal vs Alessandro Bastoni

Since his incredible performance at Euro 2024, Lamine Yamal has continued to grow and exceed all expectations that are being put on his shoulders.

Yamal’s key attributes this season have been his dribbling and direct running, as he has completed 131 successful dribbles at a highly impressive 55% success rate.

The 17-year-old is enjoying a great season with 18 goal contributions in La Liga, as well as seven goal contributions in 11 Champions League games.

Despite the clear threat that Yamal possesses, Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni has grabbed many headlines this season for his stellar performances.

The 26-year-old has won 125 duels, as well as an impressive 64.7% of aerial duels in Serie A alone, he has also had 42 recoveries and ten tackles won in the Champions League.

A mouthwatering match-up between one of the most exciting and talented young players in the world and one of the finest central defenders in Europe right now awaits.

Lautaro Martinez vs Ronald Araujo

Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez has really enjoyed a purple patch of form over the last couple of years.

The Argentine has eight goals in eleven Champions League games this season, as well as 17 goal contributions in Serie A.

Key strengths for Martinez are his ability to hold up the ball and his ability in the air to bully defenders, as he has 29-headed attempts this year in Serie A.

This strength will be heavily challenged against Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo, who stands at 6ft 2 and wins nearly 60% of his aerial duels.

Araujo has also won 75% of his tackles in La Liga, showing that he is capable of handling the threat of Lautaro Martinez.

However, Martinez seems to be at the top of his game and nullifying his threat is definitely a lot easier said than done.

Raphinha vs Francesco Acerbi

Raphinha is having a remarkable season at Barcelona, with an astonishing 53 goal contributions in 50 games, with 21 of those coming in the twelve Champions League games.

A key aspect of the Brazilian’s game is his ability to cut inside on his favoured left foot, as 76 of his shots this season have been with his left foot.

He has also covered over 100km in the Champions League alone and has been instrumental in some of Barcelona’s most important victories this season.

At 37 years of age, Raphinha’s adversary Francesco Acerbi seemingly happens to be getting better with age.

Despite him not playing as many games due to his age, the numbers really speak for themselves.

He has won 82.6% of his tackles as well as over 68% of both duels and aerial duels won in Serie A.

With his experience and quality, Inter Milan fans will be hoping he can help deal with Raphinha as well as lead his side to Champions League glory.

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Pedri vs Nicolò Barella

At 22 years of age, Pedri has taken his place amongst Europe’s elite central midfielders and continues to grow and improve.

His technical ability has been showcased for the world to see this season, with 88.5% pass accuracy as well as 69% long ball accuracy, which will be a key factor in breaking down Inter’s 3-5-2 formation.

He has also covered nearly 115km in the UCL in addition to his 66.1% successful dribbles.

Up against Pedri is another world-class midfielder, as Inter’s Nicolò Barella possesses a far more balanced and well-rounded central midfielder.

Barella possesses technical ability. He has 85.2% pass accuracy as well as 63% long ball accuracy in Serie A.  

Unlike Pedri, Barella also has provided quality and generated defensive numbers as well, with 63.8% tackles won in Serie A to go along with his 152 successful ball recoveries.

This is a highly important battle between two world-class central midfielders, whichever one gets the better of the other will give their team a great chance of advancing to the final.

Hansi Flick vs Filippo Inzaghi

Having recently managed Barcelona to the Copa del Rey after beating Real Madrid in the final, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona come into this game with all the confidence due to results so far this season.  

Flick’s side are aiming for a historic season.

They are comfortably top in La Liga, and comfortably chasing a Champions League final which could lead to their fifth UCL trophy, despite star striker Robert Lewandowski missing the first and second leg.

On the other hand, Filippo Inzaghi’s Inter Milan seem to be struggling a bit, having lost their last three games and being far behind in Serie A.

However, the victory against Bayern Munich in the quarter-final seemed to galvanise the fans and the players which is definitely needed for this crucial semi-final clash. 

With his soldiers primed and ready to shut Barcelona out, Inzaghi and the players will have aspirations to win their first Champions League since 2010 and fourth European Cup overall.

Score Prediction: Barcelona 1-0 Inter Milan

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