Tue May 06 19:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Barça Faces Defensive Dilemma Ahead of Crucial Champions League Clash with Inter
**Milan** – FC Barcelona faces a significant defensive headache ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan. The absence of injured full-backs Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde leaves coach Hansi Flick with a difficult selection decision.
Inter’s tactical approach in the first leg, a 3-5-2 formation that exploited Barcelona’s flanks with wing-backs Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco, proved problematic. The resulting defensive reshuffle saw central defenders Eric Garcia and Iñigo Martínez filling in at full-back after Koundé’s injury and Gerard Piqué’s struggles.
While Eric Garcia, despite not being a natural full-back, is considered a viable option on the right, the left-back position poses a greater challenge. Using Iñigo Martínez, a key figure in Barcelona’s offside trap, in that role could disrupt the team’s defensive structure. Therefore, Gerard Piqué, who impressed recently with Valladolid, is likely to be recalled. Including Ronald Araujo in the starting XI would bolster Barcelona’s aerial defense against Inter’s strong set-piece threat.
In other team news, Robert Lewandowski will start on the bench due to recent injury, with Ferran Torres leading the attack. Wojciech Szczesny will start in goal. The club’s board, including president Joan Laporta, attended training and a pre-match meal is planned for today.
First Piper 