Champions League: The Compelling Classic (Part Two) Arrives at the San Siro

Inter Milan vs Barcelona

It’s the game everyone in Europe has been talking about.

In fact, Champions League 2025 highlights hardly come any more compelling than they did in last week’s six-goal thriller in Catalonia.

Now for the decisive second instalment as Inter Milan and Barcelona (who both had potentially crucial narrow wins domestically over the weekend) lock horns yet again.

Talking Points

Despite being the reigning Italian champions and 2023 finalists, not too many pundits tipped Inter to be amongst the frontrunners for this season’s competition, but they have already seen off German champions elect Bayern Munich and now have Barca in their sights.

They have had a serious wobble in recent weeks to the extent that they suffered a Coppa Italia semi-final defeat at the hands of their arch rivals Milan, while the Serie A title race is now out of their hands – a situation which suggests a long and draining season is starting to take its toll.

Despite all that, this SBOTOP scribe couldn’t help but notice they are currently at the head of the UEFA coefficient rankings (which grades teams based on their results in Europe in 2024-25) so are very much amongst the Champions League top tier.

Inter have made something of a habit of unpicking opponents tactically in Europe, so what is to say manager Simone Inzaghi will not produce another managerial masterpiece to emerge triumphant.

The Italians certainly ended the more satisfied side after last week’s first leg 3-3 draw, courtesy of goals from the unlikely source of a Denzel Dumfries double and Marcus Thuram.

And if Inzaghi’s usually touch-tight defence is able to live up to its billing at its San Siro home and produce a traditionally Italian defensive showing, they could reach the final for the second time in three years.

They will also hope for an unlikely recovery by in-form striker Lautaro Martínez, who is a major doubt with a muscle injury.

There is no question who all eyes will be on for Barcelona.

Lamine Yamal is something of a teenage sensation and the first leg was further proof as he and Raphinha shone.

Lamine Yamal scored on Barcelona's last Champions League match vs Inter Milan — Lamine Yamal scored on Barcelona’s match vs Inter Milan at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys

Barcelona must be beginning to think this could be their year; they have just clinched the Copa del Rey in dramatic fashion and have a four point advantage at the top of La Liga over an increasingly injury-hit Real Madrid.

For all their flair players though, they failed to live with Inter’s height in the first leg and, like Martinez for the Nerazzurri, they will be hoping their own main man leading the line, Robert Lewandowski (hamstring), can be passed fit.

On such fine margins could this contest be decided.

History

Including last week’s first leg, the two teams have played each other 17 times with eight Barcelona victories, six draws and three Inter triumphs.

It is inevitable this game evokes comparisons of their unforgettable semi-final from 2010, one of the finest managerial masterclasses Jose Mourinho has ever produced.

In the first leg, Pedro opened the scoring for Barcelona before Wesley Sneijder, Maicon and Diego Milito turned a thrilling first leg around for Mourinho’s men.

Back on Spanish turf, Inter had to play an hour with 10 men but, despite Gerard Pique reducing the arrears, held on bravely to reach the final, where they beat Bayern Munich thanks to Milito’s brace.

Most recently, the 2022 group phase pitched the two giants together once more.

Hakan Calhanoglu scored the only goal at San Siro, before another six-goal thriller unfolded in Spain.

After Lewandowski hauled Barca level at 2-2 eight minutes from time, Robin Gosens struck back in the 89th minute; however, Inter’s hopes of a first win at Camp Nou were dashed when Lewandowski equalised again during stoppage time.

Barcelona were unbeaten through their first four Champions League meetings with Inter, starting off the rivalry with a 3-0 home win in early 2003. Javier Saviola, Phillip Cocu and Patrick Kluivert were all on target at Camp Nou, ahead of a goalless draw in Milan eight days later.