Barcelona is gearing up for a critical Champions League clash next Tuesday against Inter Milan at the iconic Giuseppe Meazza, with qualification on the line. After a dramatic 3-3 draw in the first leg at the Olympique de Montjuïc, everything is still to play for, and the pressure is mounting on Hansi Flick’s side.
According to El Nacional, the biggest buzz inside the Barcelona dressing room centers on a potential game-changer: Robert Lewandowski’s surprise return. Despite being sidelined in recent weeks with a muscle injury, the Polish striker is pushing hard to recover in time—even if only for a cameo appearance.
His teammates, including Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, see Lewandowski’s presence as a key psychological advantage. Even if he doesn’t start, having the veteran striker on the bench could shift the dynamics of the match, drawing the attention of Inter’s defenders and creating more space for attackers like Yamal.
Flick understands this tactical nuance. Simply listing Lewandowski as a substitute could force Inter boss Simone Inzaghi to rethink his game plan, potentially freeing up Barcelona’s wingers to exploit space and chances in a high-stakes battle.
Lamine Yamal, who has been a breakout star in this season’s Champions League, is particularly excited. He’s built strong chemistry with Lewandowski and believes that the striker’s experience and presence—even limited—could open the door to a game-winning opportunity.
If Lewandowski does feature, even briefly, it could be a major morale lift in what will likely be one of Barcelona’s toughest fixtures of the season. As Lamine Yamal hinted, the “secret weapon” might just be ready to strike in Milan.
