Overview

• The first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final between FC Barcelona and Inter Milan kicks off today in Barcelona.
• Inter Milan enters the match on the back of three consecutive defeats, including setbacks in Serie A and the Coppa Italia, raising questions about their readiness.
• Barcelona fields 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, whose rapid rise has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi, though Lautaro Martínez dismissed any equivalence, calling Messi the greatest of all time.
• Inter coach Simone Inzaghi expressed respect for Barcelona’s offensive strength but emphasized his team’s determination and lack of fear despite recent struggles.
• Inter will be without key defender Benjamin Pavard, while forward Marcus Thuram’s availability remains uncertain after recovering from injury.