Barcelona has already secured a first-place finish in Group F of this season’s Champions League, but Tuesday’s hosts, Inter Milan, have everything left to fight for in a battle for second.
Antonio Conte’s men are level on seven points with third-place Borussia Dortmund ahead of Matchday 6, with the Italians under pressure to match the Germans’ result at home to Slavia Prague.
Inter Milan vs. Barcelona
- Date: Tues. December 10
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: TNT, TUDN
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
Inter lost 2-1 when it traveled to Camp Nou in early October when two Luis Suarez goals turned the game in favor of the hosts following a surprise Lautaro Martinez opener in the third minute.
Both teams lead their respective domestic leagues, with the Nerazzurri having opened up a two-point lead at the Serie A summit following Juventus’ recent 3-1 draw at Lazio. Inter failed to score in a game for the first time this season when it drew 0-0 at home to AS Roma on Friday.
Barca leads La Liga via goal difference as it sits level on points with Real Madrid. Ernesto Valverde is sure to have one eye on the first Clasico of the campaign on Dec. 18.
That could work in Inter’s favor should Valverde opt to rest any of his regular stars for this trip to the San Siro, which holds little consequence for the Catalan visitors.
The likes of Ivan Rakitic, Arturo Vidal and Carles Perez could come in for some valuable minutes against Inter, while it’s possible Lionel Messi will be rested from the starting XI.
The Argentinian is on an astonishing streak of 10 goals and three assists in his last seven games for club and country, almost as if to underline his recent record sixth Ballon d’Or victory.
Messi may well demand the chance to continue that run and help to beat a tough Inter from the start, though Valverde will be wary given his team rotation and the criticism he’s received.
Dortmund looks to be the strong favorites to beat Slavia at home, which would see Inter finish third and drop into the Europa League round of 32, unless Inter can match that result against Barcelona.
Two of Inter’s three defeats in all competitions this term have occurred in the Champions League. Conte & Co. would surely be remiss to see their run in Europe’s top-tier tournament end here given their positive form this season, but a sharp fall could await if they fail to win on Tuesday.
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