The Estate

The representatives from both Spain and Italy will gather again as Inter Milan and Barcelona square off for a third match in the UEFA Champions League, their paths crossing again in the last four. Earlier in the group stages of the tournament, the two teams had been drawn together in a group that was akin to the famous Group of Death that many football tournaments have had. It was not an easy one for the defending champions as Barcelona had to overcome several tough opponents and games before winning the group, although they remained unbeaten in the two meetings they had against Inter. Pep Guardiola guided his players to a win at home while they had most of the play in the away leg at the Giuseppe Meanzza but could not break down a stubborn Inter Milan defence. The Italians’ confidence and assuredness now has been in contrast with their early nervy performances in the group stage, and coach Jose Mourinho has emphatically announced that his players have finally overcome any mental block they might have had before qualifying for the semi finals for the first time in four successive attempts.

The future can rarely be determined by events in the present or the past as many might learn from them. That could well apply here with the two contenders to become the next holders of the Champions League. Hardly anyone disputes that Barcelona are viewed as the overwhelming favourites not only against Inter Milan but the tournament as a whole. Even though they could only score once against Inter Milan during the group matches, the Catalan club did beat them and their defenders were untroubled. To put those matches into perspective, Barcelona were actually playing well below their normal standards at that time and at one stage even faced the possibility of elimination. A few months is a long time in football and now they look a totally different side with Lionel Messi back in full flow. The composure and desire to win have both returned and will be unfazed when playing Inter Milan despite the weekend draw against derby opponents Espanyol.

The first advantage that Inter Milan will have on their side is that of playing at home in the first leg. Add to that the recent flight disruptions caused by the Iceland volcano ash cloud which forced Barcelona to travel by rail to reach Italy – a feat which could well drain the energy from players and lead to fatigue during the game. What might ultimately turn the tide in their favour is Jose Mourinho who had already tasted success in the tournament previously with FC Porto. Even though Mourinho could not weave the same magic at Chelsea, Inter Milan did bring him on board with the expectations of the Portuguese turning them into European champions. It will also be a battle of managerial abilities between Mourinho and his opposite number Pep Guardiola. The Inter Milan boss would not have enjoyed Guardiola breaking his own record of being the youngest Champions League winning manager in history when Barcelona lifted the trophy last season. His work at Inter Milan would eventually be measured by European success since the club has dominated domestic football for the past five seasons and it can be said that he has done a fair job until now. If he can lead his players to the next step in fulfilling expectations in the Inter Milan vs Barcelona live stream in the UEFA Champions League, fans and Italian media could perhaps finally learn to accept him after two years of a love hate relationship in Serie A.