Barcelona is preparing for a pivotal showdown as they head to the iconic Giuseppe Meazza Stadium for the second leg of their 2024/2025 Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 02:00 WIB.
After a thrilling first leg in Spain, which ended in a 3-3 draw, the stakes have been raised. Six goals were scored, but no team gained a decisive advantage, leaving the tie wide open as both teams prepare for the decisive clash.
With hopes of advancing to the final still alive, the Blaugrana will need to deliver a flawless performance in Milan. The pressure is immense, but there’s a palpable sense of confidence within the Barcelona dressing room.
Full Support from a Former Barcelona Captain
One figure offering unwavering support for the team is Sergi Roberto, a former Barcelona captain now playing for Como. Despite no longer wearing the Blaugrana jersey, his allegiance to the club remains as strong as ever.
“I am 100% confident in this team,” Roberto expressed, as reported by Barca Universal. Although his playing days at Barcelona are behind him, his passion and belief in the club’s potential are as strong as ever.
Roberto follows Barcelona’s progress in Europe closely and believes that this season holds something special. He’s convinced that under coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona possesses the talent and determination to make it to the final.
Inter Milan’s Early Pressure Expected
Tactically, Roberto anticipates that Inter Milan will not adopt a passive approach at home. “Inter will definitely press high and come at us, but Barcelona will still dominate possession,” he stated.
While Inter is known for their solid defensive setup, Roberto believes they will take the initiative, especially after seeing Barcelona’s second-half performance in the first leg.
“High pressure will be Inter’s weapon, but Barcelona’s possession game remains a significant asset,” Roberto added, noting that playing at home will likely embolden Inter to play a more aggressive style.
The Key to Stopping Lamine Yamal
One of the crucial aspects of the game, according to Roberto, will be how Inter handles Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal. The young forward has been explosive and a constant threat to opposition defenses.
“The question is, how will Inter try to stop Lamine?” Roberto said. “They might use a back three or drop a midfielder deeper – we’ll see what they decide.”
Inter’s flexibility will be tested in dealing with the talented Yamal, but Barcelona is also prepared with multiple attacking strategies to counteract Inter’s defensive approach.
Barcelona Learning from Past Heartbreaks
Despite the painful memories of past Champions League heartbreaks, like the 2018 Roma defeat and the infamous 2019 Anfield disaster, Roberto sees this as a new era for the team. “When everything is going well, everything seems easy. But when things go wrong, nothing feels right,” he reflected.
He acknowledged that past traumas could weigh heavily in big matches. “Once you’ve failed, and conceded, there’s that thought: ‘Oh no, not again,’” Roberto said.
However, he believes that the current generation of Barcelona players is fresh and free from the psychological burdens of past defeats. “The mind can be very cruel. But these kids haven’t experienced nights like that. That’s why I’m very optimistic,” Roberto concluded.
As Barcelona prepares for this decisive clash in Milan, they carry with them both the weight of history and the hope of creating a new chapter in their storied Champions League journey. With the backing of their former captain and the resilience of their current squad, the Blaugrana are determined to make history once again.
