Barcelona's Determination to Erase Trauma 15 Years Ago

BARCELONA, TUESDAY — Barcelona has a golden opportunity to avenge their defeat in the 2009-2010 Champions League semifinals against Inter Milan. Similar to Inter 15 years ago, a victory would bring Barca closer to sweeping all championship trophies in the 2024-2025 season.

The Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey have already made it onto the checklist of championship titles presented by Coach Hans-Dieter Flick for Barca. By leading the top of the Spanish League standings, Lamine Yamal and his teammates also hold the reins in the league title race against their eternal rivals, Real Madrid.

Undoubtedly, the Champions League remains the only trophy that is still uncertain for the "Blaugrana." Moreover, they will be facing Inter, a team with the best defense in this season's Champions League, having conceded only five goals.

Inter also holds past trauma for Barca. They eliminated Barca in the semifinals of the 2009-2010 edition, subsequently securing their third "Big Ears" title in history by defeating Bayern Munich 2-0.

The Champions League title puts Inter on a monumental list of clubs that have won three major trophies, aka treble winners, in one season. Inter is still the only Italian representative on the list. "I Nerazzurri" are on par with Barca, Ajax Amsterdam, Celtic, PSV Eindhoven, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Manchester City.

They are a well-organized team, not only defensively but also when in possession of the ball. Tactically, they play very intelligently.

The atmosphere is different from 15 years ago. This time, if Barca can beat Inter, then they have the chance to record themselves as the first team to win the treble three times in the 21st century. Flick could compare himself to Pep Guardiola (2008-2009) and Luis Enrique (2014-2015).

Despite the potential for a treble winner, Flick is reluctant to think about the various possible historical records that he can collect by winning the Champions League title this season. According to the German tactician, Inter is an experienced and fantastic team that will be the toughest challenge for his team.

"They are a well-organized team, not only defensively but also when in possession of the ball. Tactically, they play very intelligently," said Flick as reported by the UEFA website, Tuesday (29/4/2025).

In addition to revenge ambitions, Barca has a better performance momentum than Inter in April. In the past week, Inter's treble winner dream was dashed after being eliminated by AC Milan in the semifinals of the Italian League Cup or Coppa Italia.

Last weekend, it was AS Roma's turn to knock I Nerazzurri off the top of the Italian League standings. When Inter fell, Napoli took the capolista or top spot with a three-point advantage.

Meanwhile, Barcelona's performance is at its peak. They won a dramatic final match of the Copa del Rey against Real Madrid. This Copa del Rey title demonstrates that the Barcelona squad possesses maturity, despite being inhabited by several young players, such as Yamal and Pau Cubarsi.

Yamal stated that the atmosphere within the Barca squad is very positive. The majority of players who will be playing their first game in the Champions League semifinals, he added, are very excited to participate in this important match in their careers.

"This is my first (Champions League) semi-final and also some of the team members. We can't wait to show again how great this team is. We are really looking forward to the match that can make us sure of our steps to the final," said Yamal as reported by Marca.

Barca is likely to still be without Robert Lewandowski, their star center forward, due to a hamstring injury. The loss of a player who has already scored 11 goals in the Champions League is not overly lamented by Barca.

Blaugrana still has Ferran Torres, who has performed well as a substitute for Lewandowski in the last two matches. Torres scored one goal while defeating Real last weekend.

Inter coach Simone Inzaghi is determined to help his team bounce back at the home of Barca. Inter has suffered three consecutive defeats after securing a place in the semifinals of the Champions League.

"My players always give their heart and soul in every game. We are not used to having three winless games in a row, so it was very difficult for the players," Inzaghi was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"After a series of defeats, we also realize how strong Barca is. However, we will approach the match with respect and without fear," he stated.

One positive aspect for Inter ahead of the duel in Barcelona is that their star striker, Marcus Thuram, has participated in team training. Without the presence of the French national team player, Inter suffered three consecutive defeats and failed to score a single goal against Bologna, AC Milan, and Roma.

The collaboration between Thuram and Lautaro Martinez is crucial for Inter's positive transition strategy. The two forwards can share roles to create space, generate opportunities, and score goals.

Carlos Augusto, Inter's defender, agrees with Inzaghi. The Inter squad arrives at Barca's home ground without fear. He reminds that the entire Inter squad has prepared themselves to face various situations in the upcoming match.

"Barcelona have extraordinary players and a team collective with a deadly attack. We must be ready and mentally in great shape," Augusto was quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport.