Inter Milan will play host to [Barcelona](https://madaboutepl.net/category/fc-barcelona/) for the second leg of the [UEFA Champions League](https://madaboutepl.net/category/leagues/uefa-champions-league/) semi-final on Tuesday evening.
The first leg in Montjuic ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Inter were cruising 2-0 before a Lamine Yamal-inspired Barcelona made a comeback, leaving the matter to be decided in the return leg at the Giuseppe Meazza.
Both teams are coming into the mouthwatering fixture on the back of respective league wins at the weekend, with head coaches Simone Inzaghi and Hansi Flick heavily rotating their squads. Without further ado, let us take a look at the key battles that could define the outcome of this game.
**#Lamine Yamal vs Federico Dimarco**
There is nowhere else to start than this battle. Lamine Yamal was sensational in the first leg, inspiring a Barcelona comeback with a fantastic solo goal. He was unplayable at times, giving Inter’s left wing-back Federico Dimarco a rough time that led to him getting hooked in the second half.
Dimarco will be raring to come back stronger and show he’s got the defensive traits as well to back up his attacking flair. Having defended for large periods in the first leg, the Italian’s approach should be to test Yamal’s defensive output and keep him pinned in his own half. If he can somehow neutralise the teenage sensation, the home side’s chances of winning the game will become significantly higher.
**#Marcus Thuram vs Pau Cubarsi & Ronald Araujo**
Marcus Thuram gave Inter a dream start in the first leg, cheekily flicking the ball past the Barcelona goalkeeper inside 30 seconds to leave the home crowd quiet. With his physicality, running power and aerial ability, he caused problems for the Barcelona defence.
Due to the unavailability of Barca’s first-choice full-backs, Eric Garcia and Inigo Martinez are set to deputise for them in midweek. This means Pau Cubarsi should partner Ronald Araujo in central defence, and the duo will face the tough task of keeping Thuram and his potential strike partner Mehdi Taremi quiet.
If Cubarsi and Araujo can hold their fort and do their jobs, Inter’s ability to score goals will be blunted.
**#Pedri vs Nicolo Barella**
Pedri was fantastic in the first half, dictating the tempo of play with his midfield partner Frenkie de Jong. He helped the Spanish side recycle possession and keep the team on the front foot for large periods of the game.
On the contrary, Nicolo Barella had an average night as per the high standards he has set in recent years. The Italian barely got an opportunity to showcase his skill set and drive forward with the ball. He will be raring for a marked improvement in the return leg, and in front of the home crowd, Barella’s confidence to keep possession and help Inter control the game should be boosted.
Pedri would need to put in more hard yards off the ball here than he did at home. This battle between two talented central midfielders could play a big role in defining the outcome of the game.