Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo has issued a confident message to Inter Milan ahead of their UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg clash on Tuesday night, insisting that the Spanish giants are unfazed by the prospect of playing at the iconic San Siro.
Olmo emphasized that rather than being intimidated, Barcelona draws inspiration from challenging atmospheres.
He pointed to the team’s impressive record at some of Europe’s most daunting venues, including victories at the Santiago Bernabéu, Wanda Metropolitano, and Signal Iduna Park.
“We’re not worried about the atmosphere in the stadium, instead it motivates us more,” Olmo said, citing Barca’s experience of winning at top stadiums like the Bernabéu and Signal Iduna Park.
The Spanish international also highlighted the importance of rest and recovery, particularly given the demanding fixture schedule, as Barcelona gears up following a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg.
“We have played and won at the Bernabéu, the Wanda, the Signal Iduna Park. We are recovered.
“We’re doing well. It’s an important factor with games so late and every three or four days.
“Rest is an important factor within the team. I see the team well prepared, with 100 per cent energy.”
With the tie delicately poised, Olmo’s remarks underline Barcelona’s belief and readiness as they aim to secure a place in the Champions League final.
Barcelona clawed their way back twice to earn a thrilling 3-3 draw against Inter Milan in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc last Wednesday.
Inter Milan came flying out of the blocks, taking the lead less than a minute into the game through Marcus Thuram’s audacious back-heel finish.
The Italian side doubled their advantage in the 21st minute when Denzel Dumfries volleyed in spectacularly from a corner kick.
Barcelona’s response was swift and spirited, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal sparking hope for the hosts.
The winger cut in from the right and drilled a fine effort into the net just three minutes after Inter’s second goal. Yamal nearly found the net again shortly after, rattling the post from close range.
His efforts set the stage for Ferran Torres, who coolly slotted home the equalizer in the 38th minute with a crisp one-touch finish.
Although Barcelona looked in control for much of the game, Inter struck again in the 64th minute as Dumfries rose highest to head in from another corner.
The Spanish side hit back quickly once more, Raphinha unleashed a powerful drive from distance that smashed against the post and rebounded off Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer into the net to tie the game at 3-3.
With both teams level heading into tonight’s decisive second leg at the San Siro, a blockbuster showdown awaits to determine who will book their place in the Champions League final in Munich, where either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain lies in wait.
