OFFICIAL: The starting lineups for Hansi Flick's FC Barcelona and Simone Inzaghi's Inter Milan are now confirmed for the first leg of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League semi-finals. The objective is to take another step towards the treble and gain an advantage in the tie ahead of the final in Munich on May 31st.

FC Barcelona's Starting Lineup against Inter Milan

FC Barcelona's XI against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final
Hansi Flick keeps his XI intact compared to the Copa Clásico against Real Madrid. Again, Koundé will occupy the right-back position, while Gerard Martín remains in the lineup in place of the injured Balde. In the center of defense, Pau Cubarsí will once again partner Iñigo Martínez. 
 
Similarly, Frenkie de Jong will occupy the pivot position. Pedri and Dani Olmo complete the midfield, while Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres form the attacking trident.
 
Barça's Starting XI (OFFICIAL):  
  • Tactical note: Koundé is the right-back. Cubarsí and Iñigo form the center-back pairing, and Gerard Martín is the left-back. Raphinha is the left winger and Ferran is the center-forward, with Lamine on the right. Although many interchanges are expected in attack, thanks to Dani Olmo's mobility.
  1. (#25, GK) Szczesny
  2. (#23) Koundé
  3. (#02) Pau Cubarsí
  4. (#05) Iñigo Martínez
  5. (#35) Gerard Martín
  6. (#21) Frenkie de Jong
  7. (#08) Pedri
  8. (#20) Dani Olmo
  9. (#19) Lamine Yamal
  10. (#11) Raphinha
  11. (#07) Ferran Torres

Barça Bench (substitutes):

  1. (#13, GK) Iñaki Peña
  2. (#26, GK) Astralaga
  3. (#04) Ronald Araujo
  4. (#06) Gavi
  5. (#10) Ansu Fati
  6. (#14) Pablo Torre
  7. (#15) Andreas Christensen
  8. (#16) Fermín López
  9. (#18) Pau Víctor
  10. (#24) Eric García
  11. (#31, GK) Kochen
  12. (#32) Héctor Fort

Injured Barça players: 

  1. (#03) Alejandro Balde
  2. (#09) Robert Lewandowski
  3. (#17) Marc Casadó
  4. (#28) Marc Bernal

Suspended Barça players:

  1. None (no players are suspended)

How do Hansi Flick's changes affect Barcelona's system?

Hansi Flick once again opts for his best available XI for the final stretch of the 24-25 season. We analyze them:

Barça fields its best available XI, looking to take a decisive step towards the Champions League final. Cubarsí and Iñigo will once again lead the defense, with Koundé and Gerard Martín on the flanks. Frenkie and Pedri direct the midfield, while Dani Olmo will again be the attacking midfielder, behind the trident formed by Lamine, Raphinha, and Ferran.

Goalkeeper and Defense:

  • A consolidated defense: Koundé continues at right-back after a stellar performance against Real Madrid in Seville. Pau Cubarsí will partner Iñigo Martínez in the center of defense. Gerard Martín also remains in the starting XI.

Midfield:

  • Frenkie de Jong returns and Gavi will be on the bench. Flick also keeps Dani Olmo as the attacking midfielder. The Terrassa native has been fundamental in the last two league matches, scoring against Celta and Mallorca.

Attack:

  • In the attacking trident, Ferran Torres will start, replacing the injured Lewandowski, alongside Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

  • The 'number 7' remains the reference point in the box and looks to establish himself as the team's goalscorer in 'Lewy's' absence. So far, he has scored 2 goals in 9 Champions League matches. The 'Shark' [Ferran Torres' nickname] has already reached 18 goals this season.

  • Raphinha, again, will be the left winger, with Lamine on the right and Ferran as the 'number 9'. In midfield, Pedri and Olmo will be the team's creative players, providing mobility and clarity to the Blaugrana's play.

Inter Milan's Starting Lineup against FC Barcelona

  • Inter's Starting XI: Sommer; Dumfries, Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dimarco, Barella, Çalhanoglu, Mkhitaryan; Lautaro Martínez and Thuram.

  • Inter Bench: Martínez (GK), Di Gennaro (GK), Darmian, De Vrij, Carlos Augusto, Asllani, Zielinski, Fratesi, Buchanan, Zalewski, Arnautovic.

For his part, Simone Inzaghi has also made several adjustments to his lineup. Notable is the absence of Benjamin Pavard, due to an ankle injury suffered on Sunday against Roma (0-1), and Carlos Augusto being on the bench, who had been the left wing-back in the Champions League.

Dimarco will take his place, while Mkhitaryan also enters the XI as a central midfielder instead of Zielinski. Dumfries, meanwhile, will be the right wing-back. Bisseck, Acerbi, and Bastoni will be the center-backs, with Barella and Çalhanoglu completing the midfield. Up front, Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez will be the strikers.

Significant Absences: Who are Barça's injured players against Inter?

Lewandowski misses the match against Mallorca due to injury

The injuries to Alejandro Balde, Marc Casadó, Marc Bernal  and Robert Lewandowski pose a significant challenge for FC Barcelona in this decisive stage of the season. Below, we detail the individual impact of each absence on Hansi Flick's team.

Robert Lewandowski (Starting Center-Forward)

The Polish striker will undoubtedly be the team's most significant absence for the match against Mallorca. Lewandowski got injured in the league match against Celta on Saturday, April 19th.

  • Impact: After scoring 11 goals in 12 matches in the current Champions League, the Pole will be out for the first time in the tournament this season. The 'number 9', moreover, is the team's top scorer with 40 goals in 48 appearances.

  • Consequences: In principle, 'Lewy' will be out for around three weeks, meaning he would miss the trip to Valladolid next Saturday and, probably, the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals against Inter Milan. 

     

Alejandro Balde (Starting Left-Back)

  • Impact: Balde provides depth, speed, and dribbling ability down the left flank. His absence, though important, has been partially covered by Gerard Martín, who has performed adequately in defense and attack.

  • Consequences: The team loses offensive capacity and unpredictability on that side, although defensive solidity remains. According to recent analyses, Balde's absence is significant but, among the current absences, it has the least impact thanks to his substitute's performance.

Marc Casadó (Defensive Midfielder)

  • Impact: Casadó, a regular in the midfield rotation, suffered a partial ligament tear and will be out for two months, likely missing the rest of the season.

  • Consequences: His absence reduces options for rotation in the defensive pivot role, especially when Flick needs to rotate or close out matches. The squad has alternatives, but Casadó's absence limits depth in a key area, especially given the accumulation of minutes and the risk of suspensions or injuries to other midfielders.

Marc Bernal (Midfielder, Central Midfielder)

  • Impact: Bernal, one of the revelations from the youth academy ('cantera'), suffered a serious knee injury (anterior cruciate ligament tear) and his season is over.

  • Consequences: His absence deprives the team of a physical and tactical profile that had provided balance and energy in midfield. Bernal was a valuable alternative for physically demanding matches, and his absence forces Flick to rely more on experienced players or accelerate the progression of other youngsters.

In summary, the absences of Balde, Casadó, Bernal, and Lewandowski force Flick to rethink his strategy for the first Champions League semi-final against Inter. Defensive solidity and midfield creativity are affected, but the team relies on its squad depth to overcome this challenge.

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