Sports betting odds favor Barcelona as they travel to Inter Milan in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal on Tuesday. Barcelona is a -150 favorite in sports betting online with a total of 2.5 under. The three-way line has Barcelona at +125, Inter Milan at +220 and the draw at +220.
Sports betting odds list Barcelona as the overall favorite to win the Champions League. They are expected to beat Inter Milan and then defeat the winner of the matchup between Bayern Munich and Lyon. Barcelona is favored against Inter Milan even though midfielder Andres Iniesta will not play due to a thigh injury. He is not expected to play in Tuesday’s game or in the second leg on April 28th. If Barcelona wins against Inter Milan he should be back for the Champions League Final on May 22nd. “It is one of the most difficult moments I’ve had to go through,” Iniesta said, “Life has taught me never to give up.”
Barcelona is the best team remaining in the Champions League even without Iniesta. They have the best player in the world in Lionel Messi and a deep and talented squad. Inter Milan has a chance though as Jose Mourinho is a good coach who knows how to win. Stopping Messi looks to be nearly impossible though and Barcelona should pull through. Messi has eight goals in nine Champions League matches. Xavi has one goal and two assists.
Inter Milan is led by Wesley Sneijder who has two goals and four assists in Champions League action. Samuel Eto’o has two goals and one assist. Inter Milan was shutout in both matches against Barcelona as they drew at San Siro while losing 2-0 on the road. In the last four Champions League sports betting online matches dating back to 2002-2003, Inter Milan has not scored a goal against Barcelona. They may have a tough time scoring against Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes. “We face an old friend in Samuel Eto’o and it’s always more difficult to play against a pal,” he said. “But it will be the same for him. He’s one of several terrific Inter players we have to face and overcome.”
As you look at the sports betting odds for this matchup keep in mind that a number of players could get a suspension with another yellow card. They are Inter Milan’s Thiago Motta, Maicon, Dejan Stanković and Javier Zanetti and Barcelona’s Carles Puyol.