BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 19: FC Barcelona football Coordinator Bojan Krkic and FC Barcelona Sports Director Deco look on from the stands during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on May 19, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Former Barcelona star Bojan Krkic has explained that Inter were the toughest possible opponents for Hansi Flick’s side in the Champions League semi-final draw, but believes that the Catalans are 60/40 favourites over the Nerazzurri to qualify for the final.
Inter have arrived in Catalonia and are preparing to take on Barcelona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday night.
The winner of this tie will go on to face the winner of the other semi-final between Arsenal and PSG. Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma helped the Parisians to a 1-0 advantage over the North Londoners on Tuesday night.
Bojan explains why Inter will trouble Barcelona
Bojan believes that Barcelona are currently playing the best football of any team in Europe, but warns that both teams will be challenged to the maximum on Wednesday.
“I’ll say right now that in terms of percentages, it will be 60/40 in favour of Barcelona, who are playing the best football in Europe this year in my opinion,” Bojan said in an interview with TMW.
“But, Inter are a very organised and powerful team. It’s strange that they’ve lost three games in a row. However, it must be said that Inter were the toughest possible opponents for Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final.
“The Nerazzurri play very well in midfield with Mkhitaryan, Calhanoglu and Barella and the wingers Dumfries and Dimarco. And Lautaro is uncontrollable. Thuram is very strong, he’s had a great journey in the Champions League.”
While Barcelona are Bojan’s favourites before kick-off, he insists that Inter have a ‘lethal weapon’ on the counter-attack with players such as Denzel Dumfries, Federico Dimarco and Nicolo Barella.
“The Nerazzurri have always played in the same way with the same system. Barcelona will certainly have more possession of the ball, and Inter will have to take that into account. The Spaniards put themselves into your midfield and play football. They play with high pressure and rapid ball circulation.
“Inter will have their chances on the counter attack with their players like Dumfries and Dimarco, but also Barella. This could be Inter’s lethal weapon. It will be a tough game for both teams.”
