Just ahead of the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal between FC Barcelona and Inter Milan, Robert Lewandowski’s absence from the starting lineup raised eyebrows. However, there may be an specific reason behind the decision.
The first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal between FC Barcelona and Inter Milan ended in a tight draw. Despite missing Robert Lewandowski in the previous match, Barcelona remained competitive with Ferran Torres stepping in as his replacement. Now, both teams must rely on their best players to decide the series. Surprisingly, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick left Lewandowski outside of the starting eleven but there is a clear reason why.
Ahead of kickoff, Lewandowski was again excluded from the starting lineup as a precaution for a lingering issue with his left leg. Flick confirmed the decision during a pre-match press conference, saying, “Lewandowski feels well and can be available on the bench in case we need him.” So, he could still feature later in the match.
Despite the absences, Barcelona have remained strong. Ferran Torres, in particular, has stepped up and scored 19 goals this season. For that reason, the staff decided not to risk Lewandowski and avoid a possible setback. Still, this game brings a major challenge as Inter Milan will start both of its main strikers, who made a big impact in the first leg.
Barcelona’s confirmed lineup
Hansi Flick must deal with six absentees. Because of that, he has made several adjustments throughout the season. One clear example is the absence of both starting fullbacks: Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde. Both miss the match due to injury. Even so, Flick has decided to repeat most of the starting eleven from the first leg.
Barcelona’s starting eleven: Wojciech Szczesny; Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Gerard Martin; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Ferran Torres.
Inter Milan’s confirmed lineup
Simone Inzaghi faces a different situation. Unlike Barcelona, his squad has avoided major injury problems this season. Only Benjamin Pavard and Valentín Carboni are unavailable. Because of that, Inzaghi will stick with the same lineup that scored three goals in Barcelona.
Inter’s starting eleven: Yann Sommer; Yann Bisseck, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfires, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrik Mkhitaryan, Federico DiMarco; Marcus Thuram, Lautaro Martinez.
From: bolavip.com
