Champions League Semi-finals Showdown: Arsenal vs PSG, Barcelona vs Inter Milan
The final four of the 2024-2025 Champions League is set, and the semi-final schedule promises explosive confrontations. On Tuesday, April 29th, Arsenal host Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates Stadium for a highly anticipated reunion. On Wednesday, April 30th, FC Barcelona, in the midst of a resurgence, challenge the defensive fortress of Inter Milan at their temporary home, the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Two prestigious matchups, two clashes of styles, with a spot in the grand final in Munich on the line. For Arsenal, this marks a return to the European forefront after years away from this level, while PSG, having shed its “galacticos,” still dreams of a first title. On the other side, Barça aims to confirm its return to the top against an Inter team known for its solidity but currently plagued by doubt.
Table of Contents
Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain: High-Tension Reunion at the Emirates
Recent Form: Contrasting Dynamics
The recent trajectories of the two teams offer a striking contrast. Arsenal, although trailing in the Premier League title race, has clearly made the Champions League its top priority, as evidenced by their European performances. Mikel Arteta‘s men achieved a stunning feat in the quarter-finals, eliminating the defending champions, Real Madrid, with impressive authority: a 3-0 victory at the Emirates followed by a 2-1 confirmation at the Santiago Bernabéu. This European momentum contrasts with their more mixed domestic results in April (2-2 draws against Crystal Palace and 1-1 against Brentford, despite a large 4-0 win at Ipswich). However, the Gunners remain on a 12-match unbeaten streak in all competitions and are undefeated in their last 8 Champions League outings (7 wins, 1 draw). Their Emirates fortress is particularly formidable in Europe, where they haven’t lost since 2017.
Paris Saint-Germain, meanwhile, have already secured their Ligue 1 title. However, their dream of an invincible league season came to an abrupt end last Friday with a surprise home defeat against OGC Nice (1-3). This setback, preceded by a draw at Nantes (1-1) and a win against Le Havre (2-1), casts a shadow over their preparation. In the Champions League, the Parisians’ journey has been bumpier: after eliminating Liverpool, they faced a scare against Aston Villa in the quarter-finals, qualifying despite a 3-2 loss in the second leg at Villa Park after a 3-1 win in the first leg. A notable positive: PSG has scored in their last five Champions League away games. The loss to Nice ended a 30-match unbeaten run, but with the title secured, Luis Enrique‘s team can now fully focus on the European objective, aiming for a historic treble with the Coupe de France final against Reims upcoming.
Key Players and Uncertainties: Arsenal’s Infirmary is a Concern
The main concern for Mikel Arteta lies in the numerous absences that are decimating his squad. The biggest blow is the suspension of midfielder Thomas Partey, who received an unnecessary booking late in the match in Madrid. Added to this is the absence of the experienced Jorginho, out with a rib injury. Doubts also persist regarding Mikel Merino (unspecified issue) and defender Ben White (knee), both absent against Crystal Palace. Riccardo Calafiori, a summer signing, is nearing a return after a knee injury, but his participation, even on the bench, remains uncertain. Finally, long-term absentees Gabriel Jesus (cruciate ligaments), Gabriel Magalhães (hamstring), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), and Kai Havertz (hamstring, although a return before the end of the season is hoped for) are unavailable.
This cascade of injuries presents a real headache for Arteta, especially in midfield. Without Partey or Jorginho, and with Merino uncertain, Declan Rice (4 goals, 2 assists in UCL), the team’s true pillar, is expected to play as the holding midfielder. Alongside him, captain Martin Ødegaard (3 goals, 1 assist) is indispensable. If Merino (2 goals, 3 assists) is not fit, Arteta might have to start the young Myles Lewis-Skelly or adapt his system. Offensively, Bukayo Saka, the club’s top scorer in the UCL (5 goals, 2 assists), and Gabriel Martinelli, the decisive scorer in Madrid (2 goals, 1 assist), will be the main threats. Leandro Trossard (2 goals, 2 assists), in form and versatile, could be deployed as a false nine. In defense, William Saliba will need to hold down the fort.
On the Parisian side, the contrast is stark: Luis Enrique has a fully fit squad. There are no injuries or suspensions to report, as yellow cards were wiped clean after the quarter-finals. This is a considerable advantage for PSG. The Spanish coach was also able to rotate his squad in recent league matches. Key players are therefore fresh and available. Ousmane Dembélé, the club’s top scorer in the UCL with 7 goals and 3 assists, has been in stellar form since the beginning of 2025. He will be supported by winter signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (2 goals) and potentially Bradley Barcola or Désiré Doué. In midfield, the trio of Vitinha (2 goals), João Neves (1 goal), and Fabián Ruiz provides technique and work rate. Full-backs Achraf Hakimi (the competition’s top assister with 5 assists, 2 goals) and Nuno Mendes (4 goals) are formidable offensive weapons. The defense will be built around captain Marquinhos and Willian Pacho, in front of the undisputed Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Pre-Match Words: Parisian Confidence, London Caution?
The pre-match press conferences revealed different tones. Mikel Arteta, aware of the difficulties linked to absences, was rather measured. He expressed disappointment after the draw against Palace but refused to blame any potential distraction related to the PSG match. He admitted uncertainty about his starting lineup and praised the versatility of players like Trossard. While recalling the need to be “brave” and “dominant” (as against Real), he mainly called on the supporters to play their part on Tuesday night.
Luis Enrique, on the other hand, displayed disconcerting confidence, sometimes bordering on provocation. He claimed to know Arsenal “perfectly” and to have followed the team “for a very long time”. He dismissed the defeat against Nice, even stating he would “sign up straight away” for a similar performance on Tuesday, but with a different result. Proclaiming his “obsession” with the Champions League, he refused to give Arteta any clues about his team composition. This confidence shown by the Parisian coach, contrasting with Arteta’s caution focused on injuries, could be seen as an attempt at psychological destabilization before this crucial clash.
History and Tactical Analysis: Advantage Arsenal?
The history of confrontations favors Arsenal. The Gunners have never lost to PSG in five European encounters (2 wins, 3 draws). The Parisian club has not faced any other team as often without ever winning. This season, in the league phase (October 2024), Arsenal won 2-0 at the Emirates thanks to Saka and Havertz. The other Champions League duels date back to the 2016-17 group stage (1-1 at the Parc, 2-2 at the Emirates).
Tactically, we can expect a clash of styles, although both coaches advocate attacking football. Arsenal, likely in a 4-3-3 formation, relies on a solid defensive structure and great physical discipline. Midfield control will be vital, especially without Partey. The potential use of Trossard as a false nine offers an interesting variation. The Gunners will need to exploit spaces if PSG employs its usual high press. PSG, also expected in a 4-3-3, has evolved since the October match. Luis Enrique’s team has become more collective, more fluid, less dependent on past individual exploits. The arrival of Kvaratskhelia and the sparkling form of Dembélé provide new weapons. The Parisians will seek to impose their press and possession game, with a technical midfield (Vitinha, Neves, Ruiz) challenging the London block. The tactical battle between the two Spanish coaches promises to be fascinating. The challenge for Arsenal will be to contain this transformed Parisian attack while leveraging their home advantage, where they are formidable, against a PSG historically less comfortable away against English clubs.
FC Barcelona vs Inter Milan: Clash of Styles at the (Temporary) Camp Nou
Recent Form: Euphoric Barça, Doubting Inter
If Arsenal and PSG approach their duel with different dynamics, the gap seems even wider between FC Barcelona and Inter Milan. The Catalans are riding an impressive wave of confidence. Last Saturday, they won the Copa del Rey after a thrilling final against their eternal rivals, Real Madrid (3-2 after extra time). This success confirms their excellent form, as they lead La Liga and string together spectacular victories (4-3 vs Celta Vigo, 4-1 vs Girona, 4-2 vs Atletico Madrid). In the Champions League, after eliminating Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals, Barça boasts the competition’s best attack with 37 goals scored. Undefeated at home in the UCL this season (5 wins, 1 draw), Hansi Flick‘s men have lost only one of their last 28 matches.
Conversely, Inter Milan is going through a deep crisis. The Nerazzurri are on a three-game losing streak without scoring a single goal: 0-1 against AS Roma and 0-1 against Bologna in Serie A, and a 0-3 humiliation against rivals AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg. This offensive drought and these setbacks have seriously compromised their league title chances and dented their confidence before this crucial trip to Catalonia. Paradoxically, Inter has the best defense in the Champions League this season, having conceded only 5 goals in 12 matches, including just 2 away from home. Their overall European campaign remains solid (9 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss), notably eliminating Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. The challenge for Simone Inzaghi will be to re-motivate his troops and rediscover that defensive solidity against the Barcelona offensive armada.
Key Players and Uncertainties: Blow to the Attacks
As with Arsenal, injuries are hitting both camps hard, particularly in the attacking sectors. FC Barcelona must cope without their star striker, Robert Lewandowski. The Polish forward, who has scored 40 goals in all competitions this season, injured his hamstring against Celta Vigo and will miss both clashes against Inter. Another major uncertainty: left-back Alejandro Balde, also suffering from a hamstring injury, must undergo tests this Monday to determine his availability. Young midfielders Marc Casado (knee) and Marc Bernal (cruciate ligaments) are also out. The good news comes from the return to the squad of goalkeeper and captain Marc-André ter Stegen, after a seven-month absence, although Wojciech Szczesny, imperial during his interim, is expected to keep his starting spot, and no players are suspended.
Lewandowski’s absence puts additional pressure on the other attackers. Raphinha, the club’s top scorer (12) and assister (7) in the UCL, will be the number one offensive asset. The young prodigy Lamine Yamal (4 goals, 3 assists) will need to confirm his immense talent on the European stage. Ferran Torres (2 goals, 1 assist) is the natural replacement for Lewandowski up front. In midfield, Pedri (2 assists) and Gavi will need to supply the attack, while Jules Koundé (3 assists), scorer in the Copa final, will bring his defensive solidity and forward runs.
Inter Milan is not spared from physical issues. French striker Marcus Thuram, in great form this season (14 goals in Serie A, 17 in all competitions) , is out for the first leg due to adductor fatigue. Another major blow: defender Benjamin Pavard, essential to Inzaghi’s system, injured his ankle against Roma on Sunday and will also miss the trip to Barcelona. Alessandro Bastoni and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, suspended in the league, will return. Denzel Dumfries and Piotr Zielinski could feature on the bench. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer, holder of the clean sheet record in the UCL this season (7) , will regain his place in goal.
Thuram’s absence leaves Lautaro Martínez (the club’s top scorer with 21 goals, including 8 in the UCL) quite isolated in attack. The midfield, with Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Nicolò Barella, will have to compensate and support the Argentine. Defensively, Pavard’s absence is detrimental to Europe’s best backline. Inzaghi will have to reorganize his defense, likely around Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij, to try to contain the Catalan assaults.
Pre-Match Words: Between Confidence and Caution
As with the other semi-final, the coaches’ statements reflect their teams’ mindsets. Hansi Flick, while displaying the confidence born from the Copa del Rey victory and the possibility of a treble, was extremely complimentary towards Inter. He described the Nerazzurri as a “fantastic team,” “tactically intelligent,” possessing “extraordinary strikers” and a “top-level defense,” all led by a “great coach,” Simone Inzaghi, whose work he praised as “incredible”. He even expressed particular affection for Pavard. This mark of respect underscores that Barça will not take this opponent lightly, despite their current poor form.
Simone Inzaghi, for his part, did not hide the difficulties. After the defeat against AC Milan, he admitted his concern and the fatigue (“physical and mental”) of his group, unaccustomed to consecutive losses. “We are not used to losing twice in a row,” he conceded, while urging his players to be “stronger than all this” and to “recharge the batteries”. The confirmation of Pavard’s injury only added to the concerns. The tone is therefore one of general mobilization to try to overcome this difficult period and resist the Barcelona pressure.
History and Tactical Analysis: Attack vs. Defense?
The history of confrontations between these two European giants is rich, particularly in the Champions League, where they have faced each other 12 times. The overall record favors FC Barcelona (6 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses in UCL). Recent meetings have often gone the Catalans’ way, notably during the 18/19 and 19/20 group stages. However, the most memorable encounter remains the 2010 semi-final, where José Mourinho’s Inter eliminated Pep Guardiola‘s Barça after a memorable tactical duel. Last season, in the group stage, Inter held Barça to a draw at Camp Nou (3-3) after beating them at San Siro (1-0).
Tactically, the matchup clearly pits the competition’s best attack against the best defense. Barça, sticking to its 4-2-1-3, will have to find solutions to break through the Inter block without Lewandowski. Hansi Flick will rely on the speed and penetration of his wingers, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, as well as the creativity of his midfield. Ferran Torres’ ability to make an impact up front will be crucial. However, the Blaugrana must be wary of quick counters and Inter’s formidable efficiency, while correcting their recent weaknesses on set pieces. Inter, likely organized in a 3-5-2 or a variation, will rely on its tactical discipline and defensive solidity. Even without Pavard, the backline remains experienced. The objective will be to frustrate Barça, cut passing lanes, and quickly transition forward with Lautaro Martínez as the focal point. The midfield battle, pitting Barcelona’s technique against Italian density and physical impact, will be one of the keys to the match. The big question is whether Inter’s iron defense, weakened by absences, can withstand Barça’s offensive fury, even deprived of its number one striker.
Conclusion: Who Will Take the Advantage?
Both first legs of these Champions League semi-finals promise to be extremely tight. In London, Arsenal, buoyed by their home crowd and European form, must overcome a cascade of injuries to gain an edge against a full-strength Paris Saint-Germain, seeking revenge and boasting a renewed and dangerous attack. Will the Gunners’ favorable history and the strength of the Emirates be enough against the intrinsic quality of the Parisian squad?
In Barcelona, FC Barcelona, euphoric after their Copa del Rey success, starts as the favorite against an Inter Milan team plagued by doubt and missing key players. However, the absence of Robert Lewandowski is a major blow to the Catalan attack, which must find the key against the competition’s tightest defense, even if it too is diminished. Can Inter rediscover its legendary solidity and cause an upset by seizing any opportunity?
These first-leg matches will be crucial in defining the shape of the return legs in Paris and Milan. Each team will seek to gain an advantage, however small, before perilous away trips. One thing is certain: the spectacle will be guaranteed, with the ultimate reward being a place in the final in Munich.
