Champions League: Inter in free fall before visiting Barcelona

FC Barcelona continues to receive good news ahead of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals against Inter Milan. This Sunday, the 'nerazzurri' suffered their third consecutive defeat and the second at home, after falling by the narrowest of margins against Roma (0-1).

Despite having a majority of starters, Simone Inzaghi's side had a very poor first half and fell behind to a goal by Matías Soulé in the 22nd minute. The defeat opens the door for Napoli to regain the Serie A lead on their own, as long as they defeat Torino at home. 

Inter, on the other hand, is deepening its crisis after a week in which they were also eliminated from the Coppa Italia. The Italians will travel to Catalonia on Monday and, in addition, will have two confirmed significant absences for the first leg.

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🏥Pavard, KO: Inter loses a key pillar to face Barça

The worst news for the Inter coach, beyond the defeat, was the injury to Benjamin Pavard. The defender suffered an injury to his left ankle and is practically ruled out for the two matches against Barça. The injury occurred in the 15th minute, due to an apparent sprain, and Yann Bisseck came on in his place.

In principle, it is likely that the German defender will start on Wednesday in Montjuïc, completing the line of three central defenders that Inzaghi usually uses. The other significant absence for the first leg in Barcelona is Marcus Thuram, confirmed to be out with a muscular problem.

The striker has 17 goals and 9 assists in 44 matches, but only returned to training apart from the group on Saturday, still with difficulties running. Inter's idea is to recover him for the return leg in Milan, on Tuesday, May 6.

• 👉 You can follow the coverage of the Champions League 2024/25 in detail at FCBN

🔴From candidate for the treble to total crisis: What's wrong with Inter?

Carlos Augusto laments after Inter's defeat against Roma (0-1)

Inter's slump began after the draw at home against Bayern Munich (2-2). The result allowed the Italians to overcome the quarter-final tie against the Bavarians, but then came three unexpected defeats in the league and cup that have put Simone Inzaghi's side against the ropes.

The 'nerazzurri' fell in their visit to Bologna (1-0), then were thrashed by AC Milan (0-3) in the return leg of the Coppa Italia 'semis', a result that buried their chances of winning the treble. To make matters worse, Roma also managed to win at the Giusseppe Meazza (0-1) and, if Napoli defeats Torino at home this Sunday, they will be the sole leaders with a 3-point advantage and 4 matchdays to play.

Now, Inter will try to bet everything on the Champions League, looking to break a streak of four games without a win, three of them at home. The most worrying thing is the physical condition of the team, as the image against Milan and Roma was really worrying. The injuries of Pavard and Thuram are the best example of the wear and tear of a short squad, as Inzaghi usually rotates little.

⚽ Results in the last 5 matches of Inter Milan:

1. 🔴 Inter Milan 0-1 AS Roma. Matchday 34 of Serie A.
2. 🔴 Inter Milan 0-3 AC Milan. Second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals.
3. 🔴 Bologna 1-0 Inter Milan. Matchday 33 of Serie A.
4. 🟡 Inter Milan 2-2 Bayern Munich. Second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
5. 🟢 Inter Milan 3-1 Cagliari. Matchday 32 of Serie A.