UEFA Champions League 2024-25 semi-final, second leg: Inter Milan vs Barcelona- Five key players to watch out for

It was a cracker of a night at Camp Nou in the midweek when Inter Milan dominated the proceedings against the home side, Barcelona. Barcelona, coming off a rich vein of form in the competition, were faced with obstacles as they had to come from behind two goals to make it 2-2 before the half time. Later, even when Inter Milan scored the third goal, Barcelona scored the equalizer to make it 3-3. 

The game is now all to be decided at San Siro where the Azzuris are determined to derail the Catalonian plans, while Barcelona would want to win everything at stake in the ongoing campaign. In the first leg, Barcelona shone with creative brilliance whereas Inter Milan stood out as a team and capitalised on the moments with speed. While both had their fair share of defensive frailties, both sides are poised for a great game in Milan. Ahead of one of the best games in the ongoing campaign, here are the top five players to watch out for:  

Inter vs Barcelona: Five key players to watch out for 

1. Lamine Yamal 

Lamine Yamal has been a sensation for quite some time in the ongoing campaign. Yamal has led the side by example with his creative ability as well as goal-scoring capabilities. The 17-year-old has already played over 100 games for Barcelona, an astonishing fact that the neutral have also applauded. 

In the first leg, when Barcelona were pinned back by the strikes of Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries, Lamine Yamal ensured that the Catalans were not kept far behind. He struck within 3 minutes of the second goal scored by Inter Milan. The solo play helped Catalans to score the first goal whereas he was a creator-in-chief for the second goal. He will be a key player to watch out for, like that of Barcelona’s second leg against Borussia Dortmund. 

2) Denzel Dumfries 

Denzel Dumfries made the headlines of the news outlets as soon as the game ended at 3-3. The wingback ensured that Inter was no less than Barcelona, who were coming through the Copa del Rey victory as well as being at the top of the table in the league. He had two goals and an assist to his name in the fixture, helping his side stay competent and send shivers down the spine of the opposition. 

Not only with his attacks but also with his defensive display, Denzel Dumfries caught the attention. He averaged a tackle and two dribbles past the attackers to keep them at bay. He also was strong in the air with five defensive duels won. Dumfries will be a key player for the Azzuris on Wednesday. 

3) Raphinha 

The poster boy of the players who are fighting for the coveted Ballon d’Or, Raphinha will be the player whom Barcelona would not want to lose ahead of the second leg. Hansi Flick might even not keep him in the squad for the fixture against Celta Vigo over the weekend. Raphinha has been the most instrumental player for them in the ongoing season with 55 G/A in 51 games across all competitions. 

In the first leg, he had an assist to his name but dribbled past the opposition with ease. Raphinha was strong in the build-up as well as play-making skills, constantly threatening with accurate crosses. While Inter resorts to back five while defending, keeping Raphinha silent will be a task as he will carry the hopes of the team. 

4) Ferran Torres

The Spanish forward who joined from Manchester City in 2021, has come to life in recent times. In the first leg, he troubled the opposition with his movements as well as the equalizer that put a halt to Inter’s attack. 

Torres enjoyed the form he was in with his two confident dribbles past the defenders while also contributing to holding the shape while defending. He will be a key player to look out for while Barcelona face Acerbi and Bastoni in the central defense on Wednesday. 

5) Yan Sommer 

If Inter Milan were to be successful in the second leg of the semifinals, it has to be Yan Sommer’s best night. The last time Inter qualified for the Champions League finals, it was the defense and Andre Onana’s heroics that helped them to coast through. Similarly, the Swedish international will be expected to be on top of his game on Wednesday in the second leg.

In the first leg, he had an outing to forget as his own goal cost Inter the goal advantage and they held closer to the hour mark. Despite that, he had seven saves that have kept Inter still in the competition. If the Swedish goalie has the night to remember, it will be Inter all the way.