Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni has called on his teammates to go all in defensively to contain Barcelona’s wonderkid Lamine Yamal in Tuesday’s blockbuster UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg at the San Siro. The 17-year-old dazzled in the first leg at Montjuic, scoring a sensational goal and playing a central role in the thrilling 3-3 draw.
With everything to play for, Bastoni compared the decisive clash to “Game 7 of the NBA Finals,” underscoring the high stakes as Inter look to book their first UCL final appearance since 2010.
Bastoni: “He’s Already One of the Best in the World”
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Bastoni didn’t hold back in his praise of Yamal.
“I had already faced him with Spain, and even then he was dangerous, but he’s reached another level,” Bastoni said. “His creativity, his maturity, his confidence at such a young age—he’s one of the best in the world right now.”
Inter’s plan? Stop him at all costs.
“We’ll have to double, maybe even triple-mark him like we did at times in the first leg,” Bastoni added. “But we must be careful—Barcelona isn’t just about Yamal. If we focus too much on him, we’ll leave space for others like Lewandowski and Pedri.”
First Leg Recap: Fireworks in Montjuic
The first leg in Barcelona was nothing short of electric. Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to score in a Champions League semi-final with a curling left-footed strike that left Yann Sommer rooted. Despite Inter taking an early lead and fighting hard, Barcelona clawed back twice, setting the stage for a fierce second leg in Milan.
The match was packed with drama—early goals, a red card scare, and VAR controversies. But the real story was Yamal, who didn’t just score but also dictated tempo, beat defenders with ease, and showed the poise of a seasoned veteran.
Inzaghi: “Yamal’s Movement is Impossible to Stop Completely”
Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi echoed Bastoni’s sentiment, admitting that Yamal’s ability to influence the game must be contained if Inter are to stand a chance.
“In modern football, it’s almost impossible to stop a player from getting the ball,” Inzaghi said. “But we’ll do our best to limit his influence. When Barcelona are under pressure, they give the ball to him. He knows what he’s going to do before he even receives it. That’s what makes him so dangerous.”
Inzaghi revealed that Inter’s game plan includes double-marking the Spanish teenager on the wings and crowding him out of shooting zones.
Yamal makes it look easy #UCL pic.twitter.com/gaftZiU8pf
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 5, 2025
Fitness Worries: Martinez and Pavard Doubts
Inter’s preparations have been hampered by injuries to key players. Star striker Lautaro Martinez and defender Benjamin Pavard are both doubtful heading into Tuesday night’s clash.
“We’re waiting on updates from the medical team,” Inzaghi said. “Pavard trained partially on Sunday and seemed okay. Lautaro hasn’t trained since the first leg, so we’ll monitor him today and make a decision.”
The absence of Martinez would be a massive blow for Inter, who rely heavily on his hold-up play, goals, and link-up with Marcus Thuram.
Home Advantage Could Be Key
The second leg at the iconic San Siro gives Inter a slight edge, with their passionate home fans expected to create an electric atmosphere.
“It’s open. 50-50. But I’m glad we’ll be playing in front of our fans,” Bastoni said. “They’ve been with us every step of the way. We live for nights like this.”
#ForzaInter #UCL #InterBarcelona pic.twitter.com/4ST09WEmHv
— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) May 6, 2025
Inter will hope that their crowd can lift them over the line and into a final that would mark another chapter in their illustrious European history. The last time these two sides met in a semi-final was in 2010, when José Mourinho’s Inter eliminated Barcelona before winning the treble.
Barca’s Formidable Front Line
While all eyes are on Yamal, Barcelona come armed with firepower all over the pitch. Robert Lewandowski’s aerial threat, Pedri’s vision, and the return of Raphinha add more fuel to an already dangerous attack.
Coach Hansi Flick has managed to get the best out of the young and experienced players, and his squad is peaking at the right time. After dispatching Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals, Barça are confident of making their first final since 2015.
What’s at Stake
For both clubs, the rewards are immense. A spot in the final, potential prize money of over €100 million, and a shot at etching their name in European history again. The stakes don’t get higher.
Whether it’s Yamal magic or an Inter tactical masterclass, fans are guaranteed a thrilling night of football.
The San Siro awaits.
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