Fifteen years on from that legendary 2010 triumph over Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Barcelona, Inter Milan find themselves in familiar territory – unfavoured, underestimated, but still believing.
José Mourinho’s men wrote themselves into European folklore by stunning the Catalans with one of the most heroic defensive performances in Champions League history. Now it’s Simone Inzaghi’s turn to try and conjure something just as special.
Barcelona arrive in red-hot form, fresh from a Copa del Rey final win over Real Madrid and with a treble still in sight under Hansi Flick. Inter, by contrast, are emerging from a rough patch – three straight defeats have dented their domestic dominance and sparked questions about fatigue. But in the Champions League, Inzaghi’s side have shown time and again that they can rise to the occasion.
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So how can Inter pull off another upset and stop Barcelona’s charge?
Sit Deep, Stay Compact, Counter Fast
Flick has re-engineered Barcelona’s style into something more vertical and aggressive than the possession-heavy systems of the past. With high full-backs, fluid movement, and a front four that includes the electric Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, the Blaugrana stretch teams both wide and deep.
But all that ambition leaves gaps.
Inter’s best chance is to frustrate Barcelona by denying them space between the lines, forcing them into wider areas and slowing down their tempo. By keeping a low block and winning second balls, they can spring forward on the counter using the pace of Marcus Thuram and the guile of Lautaro Martínez. Flick’s side leaves space in behind, and Inter have the weapons to punish it.
In many ways, it echoes the 2010 blueprint: soak up pressure, pick your moment, and hit hard in transition.
Target the Flanks – Especially Gerard Martin
Barcelona’s weakest point defensively may be on their left. With first-choice full-back Alejandro Balde out injured, Gerard Martin is expected to start again, and he’ll likely be targeted. Denzel Dumfries, so often a threat on the right for Inter, could be key to stretching the play and delivering crosses into the box. On the opposite side, Federico Dimarco’s quality on the ball adds another outlet.
Barça’s press is aggressive but imperfect. Inter’s ability to bypass that first wave using their familiar 3-5-2 build-up shape will be crucial. If they can draw pressure in, then play quickly into wide areas or over the top, they can expose space and disrupt Barcelona’s structure.
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Break Their Rhythm
No team in Europe thrives more on tempo and control than Flick’s Barcelona. They dictate pace through Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, move the ball efficiently, and love to pin opponents deep with a rotating attacking line.
But that fluency can be disrupted. Inter must be physical, clever, and disciplined, break up play when needed, commit tactical fouls in midfield, and refuse to be dragged into an open game. If they can slow Barcelona’s rhythm, the crowd at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc may grow restless.
Inzaghi’s players are battle-tested in Europe and thrive in adversity. They’ll need to dig deep again.
Set-Pieces Could Be a Difference-Maker
While Barcelona have improved defensively, they remain vulnerable from set-plays. Inter’s centre-backs – especially Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi – pose a threat in the box, and Hakan Çalhano?lu’s delivery from dead balls is among the best in Europe.
Given how tight these ties can be, a single moment from a corner or free-kick could decide everything.
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Believe the Past Can Inspire the Present
Inter’s path to the final won’t be easy, and the odds are stacked against them. But the same was true in 2010, when no one gave them a chance against Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and co. That team’s grit, tactical discipline, and belief turned the tide of history.
If Inzaghi can channel that same energy – organised, ruthless, fearless – then maybe, just maybe, Inter can shock the world again.
Can Inter pull off another famous upset? Or are you backing Barca? Bet on the game here!
