Robert Lewandowski returns to boost Barcelona against Inter Milan
- Robert Lewandowski returned to the squad after being sidelined for two weeks due to a thigh injury.
- Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez trained ahead of the match, hoping to enhance their attacking options.
- The return of key players for both teams heightened the stakes for the Champions League semifinal clash.
In May 2025, Barcelona hosted Inter Milan in a crucial second leg of their Champions League semifinal match after a thrilling first leg ended in a 3-3 draw. This matchup took place in Spain and had significant implications for both clubs. Leading into the match, Barcelona received a much-needed offensive boost with the return of their star striker, Robert Lewandowski. The player had been sidelined for approximately two weeks due to a left thigh injury sustained during a Spanish league game against Celta Vigo. Inter Milan also faced injury challenges, as their captain, Lautaro Martinez, had to leave the field during the first leg because of a thigh muscle injury. Nevertheless, he returned to training shortly before the match and was considered a potential starter. The stakes were high for both teams, with Barcelona hoping to reach the Champions League final for the first time since winning their last title in 2015. Meanwhile, under the guidance of their new coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona aimed for a treble in their first season after already securing the Copa del Rey. Despite this pressure, the team's strong league performance provided them with confidence, as they led La Liga by four points over rivals Real Madrid. Inter, conversely, was looking to make a comeback in the Champions League after being eliminated from the Italian Cup semifinals, as they sought to reach their second Champions League final in three years. The match provided an exciting atmosphere as both teams showcased their attacking prowess and resilience in facing injuries. The return of Lewandowski was particularly celebrated as he had been one of the top scorers in various competitions, netting a total of 40 goals with 11 in the Champions League alone at that point. As the two teams prepared to clash in Milan, the anticipation for the outcome was immense, with fans and analysts speculating on which team would ultimately advance to face Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the ultimate finale of the tournament.