Inter de Milán vs. FC Barcelona: UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Semifinal Second Leg Preview

We’re bracing for a thrilling conclusion to one of the most memorable Champions League semifinals as Inter de Milán hosts FC Barcelona on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan. The first leg’s 3-3 thriller at Barcelona’s Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys left the tie wide open, setting the stage for a winner-takes-all battle for a spot in the final on May 31, 2025, in Munich. Below, we analyze the first leg’s takeaways, preview the second leg, and provide all the details to watch live in the United States.

First Leg Takeaways: A Tactical and Emotional Spectacle

The 3-3 draw in Barcelona was a masterclass in contrasting styles, showcasing both teams’ strengths and vulnerabilities:

• Barcelona’s Dominance and Flair: Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, displayed their trademark fluidity, controlling 62% possession and firing 18 shots (7 on target). Lamine Yamal (17 years old, 100th appearance) was the standout, scoring a stunning solo goal and hitting the woodwork twice, proving he can dismantle defenses single-handedly. Raphinha’s long-range equalizer and Ferran Torres’ leveling strike highlighted their attacking depth, despite Robert Lewandowski’s absence due to injury. However, defensive frailties were exposed, particularly on set pieces, where Denzel Dumfries scored twice from corners. Conceding three goals at home, as Raphinha noted post-match, was a concern, with Jules Koundé’s injury and Alejandro Balde’s absence further weakening their backline.
• Inter’s Clinical Efficiency: Inter, led by Simone Inzaghi, showcased lethal counterattacking and set-piece prowess, scoring three goals from just 3 shots on target. Marcus Thuram’s backheel after 30 seconds—the fastest in Champions League semifinal history—and Dumfries’ acrobatic volleys underlined their ability to punish without dominating possession (38%). Despite a pre-match slump (three straight losses without scoring), Inter’s resilience shone, though Lautaro Martínez’s halftime withdrawal due to a hamstring injury was a blow. Yann Sommer’s crucial saves preserved the draw, but Benjamin Pavard’s absence and Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s domestic suspension (now served) add selection challenges.
• Key Dynamics: The match exposed Barcelona’s high-line vulnerability against Inter’s quick transitions and dead-ball expertise, while Inter struggled to contain Barcelona’s relentless attack. Posts on X hailed the game as “absolute cinema,” with fans noting Barcelona’s defensive concerns and Inter’s set-piece mastery. The tie remains “finely poised,” as UEFA described, with both teams believing they can reach the final.

Second Leg Preview: Stakes and Expectations

Inter de Milán hosts at the Giuseppe Meazza, where they’ve been nearly impregnable, with a 10W-2D-1L record across competitions this season and only 5 goals conceded in Champions League play. Their clinical finishing (19 goals in the tournament) and home support—expected to exceed 70,000 fans—give them a slight edge. However, Lautaro Martínez’s doubtful status (hamstring) forces reliance on Mehdi Taremi or Marko Arnautović, while Pavard’s absence shifts defensive duties to Yann Bisseck. Çalhanoğlu’s return bolsters their midfield, and Thuram’s pace could exploit Barcelona’s high line again. Inzaghi’s likely strategy: absorb pressure, exploit set pieces, and strike on the break. A recent 3-0 win over Hellas Verona suggests a return to form.

Barcelona, buoyed by Lewandowski’s return (8 goals in the tournament), aims to leverage their attacking firepower (league-leading 37 goals in the Champions League). Yamal, Raphinha, and Dani Olmo provide unpredictability, but Koundé’s doubtful status and Pau Cubarsí’s inexperience may expose their defense, especially after conceding twice from corners in the first leg. Flick’s rotation against Valladolid preserved key players for this clash and El Clásico, signaling intent. Barcelona’s 5W-2D-2L away record in LaLiga shows resilience, but they must shore up defensively to counter Inter’s efficiency. Frenkie de Jong emphasized the need to “dominate and take risks,” suggesting an aggressive approach.

Head-to-Head and Stakes: Inter’s 3-1 win over Barcelona at the San Siro in 2010 (last semifinal meeting) and their defensive grit make them dangerous, but Barcelona’s attacking depth and recent form (unbeaten in 24 matches before the first leg) keep them competitive. The winner faces Arsenal or PSG in the final, adding pressure to this “all-or-nothing” clash, as FC Barcelona’s website noted.

Viewing Guide: How to Watch Inter vs. Barcelona in the USA

The match kicks off at 3:00 PM ET on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan.

• TV Channels:
• CBS: English-language coverage with Ian Darke and Stewart Robson.
• TUDN: Spanish-language feed with Diego Balado and Hugo Salcedo.
• Univision: Spanish-language broadcast with Ramsés Sandoval and Jesús Bracamontes.
• Streaming Services:
• Fubo: Offers CBS, TUDN, and Univision with a free trial for new users. Starts at $79.99/month post-trial.
• Paramount+: Streams every Champions League match, including English and Spanish options, with a 7-day free trial. Plans start at $7.99/month.
• ViX Premium: Spanish-language streaming with a free trial, ideal for Univision and TUDN feeds. Pricing starts at $6.99/month post-trial.
• DirecTV Stream: Includes CBS and TUDN with a free trial, starting at $79.99/month after.
• Additional Notes:
• Coverage begins at 2:30 PM ET on CBS and TUDN, with pre-match analysis.
• For viewers abroad, a VPN like NordVPN can unlock U.S. streaming services by connecting to a U.S. server, as recommended by GOAL.
• Check local listings, as some platforms may offer free access to select matches (e.g., Paramount+’s occasional promotions).

Match Details and Predictions

Date and Time: Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET (9:00 PM CEST, 12:30 AM IST on May 7)

Venue: Giuseppe Meazza Stadium (San Siro), Milan, Italy

Context: Inter (3-time champions) and Barcelona (5-time winners) battle for a Champions League final berth after a 3-3 first-leg draw.

Key Players:

• Inter: Marcus Thuram (pace and finishing), Hakan Çalhanoğlu (set-piece threat), Denzel Dumfries (aerial dominance).
• Barcelona: Lamine Yamal (game-changer), Robert Lewandowski (goal-scoring return), Raphinha (long-range threat).

Prediction: Inter’s home advantage and defensive solidity give them a slight edge, but Barcelona’s attacking depth ensures a tight contest. Betting odds list Inter at +150, Barcelona at +170, and a draw at +240. Given the first leg’s goal-fest and both teams’ scoring form (Inter: 19 goals, Barcelona: 37 in the tournament), over 2.5 goals (-110) and both teams to score (-120) are likely. Inter’s set-piece prowess may prove decisive, but Barcelona’s counterattacking threat could force extra time. A 2-1 Inter win is predicted, with Thuram scoring, though Yamal may keep Barcelona in contention. If the match extends, Barcelona’s depth could tilt a penalty shootout.

Projected Lineups (subject to fitness checks):

• Inter: Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Çalhanoğlu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Taremi, Thuram
• Barcelona: Szczęsny; Eric García, Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Araújo; Pedri, de Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Conclusion: A Champions League Epic Awaits

The first leg’s “triumph of football,” as Arrigo Sacchi called it, sets the stage for another classic at the San Siro. Inter’s efficiency and home fortress face a stern test against Barcelona’s fluid attack and returning stars. The Giuseppe Meazza’s atmosphere will be electric, with both teams two matches from Champions League glory. This semifinal’s outcome hinges on Inter’s set-piece execution and Barcelona’s ability to tighten defensively. Fans can follow live updates on GOAL, UEFA.com, or ESPN for minute-by-minute coverage.

What You Need to Know About Inter vs. Barcelona!

• Inter hosts Barcelona on May 6, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET at Giuseppe Meazza for the Champions League semifinal second leg.
• The first leg ended 3-3, with Inter’s efficiency (3 goals from 3 shots on target) matching Barcelona’s dominance (18 shots).
• Inter’s Lautaro Martínez is doubtful; Barcelona welcomes back Lewandowski.
• Watch in the USA on CBS, TUDN, Univision, or stream via Fubo (free trial), Paramount+ (free trial), or ViX Premium (free trial).
• A 2-1 Inter win is predicted, but Barcelona’s attack could force extra time.