Barcelona vs. Inter Tips and Odds – 30/04/2025

• Date: Wednesday, 30 April 2025
• Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona
• Fixture: Barcelona vs Inter Milan (UEFA Champions League Semi-final, First Leg)

Match Preview

Barcelona welcome Inter Milan to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys for a blockbuster UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday night. The Catalans are riding a wave of momentum, having just edged Real Madrid 3-2 after extra time to lift the Copa del Rey, and remain on course for a historic quadruple under Hansi Flick. Their Champions League campaign has been formidable, dispatching Borussia Dortmund 5-3 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, and they remain unbeaten at home in the competition this season. However, they face this crucial tie without star striker Robert Lewandowski, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, as well as Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, and likely Alejandro Balde, all out with injuries.

Inter, meanwhile, arrive in Barcelona at a low ebb. Simone Inzaghi’s men have lost three consecutive matches in all competitions, including a Coppa Italia exit to rivals AC Milan and a damaging 0-1 defeat to Roma, which has seen them slip in the Serie A title race. The Nerazzurri’s Champions League form has been much better, having knocked out Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, but their domestic struggles and a mounting injury list threaten to derail their European ambitions. Key defender Benjamin Pavard suffered an ankle injury at the weekend and is almost certainly out, while influential forward Marcus Thuram, who boasts 17 goals and 9 assists this season, is also sidelined with a muscular problem.

Barcelona’s home form has been exceptional, with five wins from their last six meetings against Inter in Catalonia, and they are unbeaten in their last 15 home fixtures. Their attack, led by Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres (who is expected to deputize for Lewandowski), has been prolific, making them the highest-scoring team in this season’s Champions League. Flick’s side typically line up in a 4-3-3, using width and quick combinations to stretch opponents, and will look to press home their advantage in the first leg.

Inter, despite their recent slump, remain a formidable defensive unit in Europe, conceding just five goals in 12 Champions League matches this season and boasting a strong away record. Inzaghi is expected to deploy a 3-5-2, with Lautaro Martinez and Mehdi Taremi leading the line and Hakan Çalhanoğlu orchestrating from midfield. However, the absences of Pavard and Thuram, coupled with the fatigue of a long campaign that has seen Inter rack up over 50 matches and 36 injuries, could leave them vulnerable.

Key Players

Barcelona:

• Raphinha: The Brazilian winger has been electric, with 27 goals in all competitions and 11 goals plus five assists in the Champions League. His pace and directness will be crucial in Lewandowski’s absence.
• Lamine Yamal: The teenage sensation leads La Liga in assists and is a constant creative threat from the right flank.
• Pedri: The midfield maestro makes Barcelona tick, dictating tempo and providing key passes from deep.
• Jules Koundé: Fresh off scoring the Copa del Rey winner, Koundé anchors the defense and supports attacks with his overlapping runs.

Inter Milan:

• Lautaro Martinez: The Argentine is Inter’s top scorer in Europe with eight goals and will shoulder the attacking burden with Thuram out.
• Hakan Çalhanoğlu: The Turkish playmaker is vital for set-pieces and controlling the midfield tempo.
• Alessandro Bastoni: With Pavard out, Bastoni’s leadership and defensive organization will be tested against Barcelona’s fluid attack.

Prediction

Barcelona enter as clear favorites, buoyed by home advantage, recent silverware, and Inter’s injury woes and poor form. Expect Flick’s side to press high and attack with intensity, aiming to build a first-leg cushion. Inter’s defensive resilience in Europe should keep them in the tie, but their lack of attacking options and confidence could see them struggle to keep pace. A 2-0 or 2-1 win for Barcelona looks likely, with Raphinha and Yamal tipped to shine.

Betting Markets & Odds

Barcelona’s attacking firepower and fortress-like home form make them strong favorites, but Inter’s defensive pedigree means the tie is far from over-expect a tense and high-quality European night in Montjuïc.