It’s an early final for Barcelona tonight against Inter Milan at the Giuseppe Meazza. Hansi Flick’s team couldn’t seal the tie at Montjuic, where the Italians came out all guns blazing, forcing the Azulgranas to fight back to earn a 3-3 draw. The draw leaves everything to play for in tonight’s match, where only a win will secure a place in the final in Munich.
With this in mind, and knowing that a win is essential, Hansi Flick took a gamble against Real Valladolid with a risky starting line-up that sought to rest players and avoid complications with the regulars for the match in Milan. The risk he took, although it was a painful one, did not pay off, as the Azulgrana side picked up three crucial points in the title race with Real Madrid.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick urged his players to “enjoy” the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan, a rival he described as “very experienced, very strong and very difficult to defend against.” “I want my players to play without feeling the pressure. We have to enjoy the game,” the German coach insisted on three occasions at the press conference.
It has been six years since the Catalans reached the semifinals and they do not want to miss the opportunity to sneak into the final against an Inter side that is coming off a break in its losing streak in La Liga. Simone Inzaghi’s side is coming off a 1-0 win over Hellas Verona in Serie A, where it is in a battle for the title with Antonio Conte’s Napoli.
Hansi Flick puts all his eggs in one basket
Szczesny, who rested in Valladolid, will start in goal against Inter Milan at the Giuseppe Meazza. Flick himself announced this in Valladolid. Koundé is out of defense and Balde will also miss the game, so the starting eleven will feature Eric García at right back, Pau Cubarsí and Íñigo Martínez in the center of defense, and Gerard Martín on the left wing. In midfield, Pedri and De Jong are sure to start. In front of them will be Dani Olmo. The attacking trio, although Lewandowski will travel to Milan, will initially be made up of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Ferran Torres.
In addition to Koundé and Balde, Casadó, who is already training at a good pace, and Bernal remain out due to injury.
Barça line-up
Goalkeeper: Szczesny
Defenders: Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Íñigo Martínez and Gerard Martín
Midfielders: Pedri, De Jong and Dani Olmo
Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Ferran Torres