Capello’s Remarkable Foresight
During the electrifying 3-3 draw between Barcelona and Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg on April 30, 2025, at Montjuic Stadium, former AC Milan coach Fabio Capello stunned pundit Zvonimir Boban with a precise prediction. Boban, speaking on Sky Sport Italia, revealed Capello foresaw the exact 3-3 scoreline while Inter led 2-0 in the first half, a testament to his tactical acumen. “It was spectacular,” Boban said, noting Capello’s call came as Barcelona’s play hinted at a comeback despite Inter’s early dominance.
Frantic First Half
Inter raced to a 2-0 lead with Marcus Thuram’s goal after 30 seconds, the fastest in Champions League semi-final history, and Denzel Dumfries’ header in the 21st minute. Barcelona responded before halftime, with Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres leveling the score at 2-2. The second half saw Dumfries score again, only for Yann Sommer’s own goal to secure a 3-3 draw, matching Capello’s prediction. Inter’s 62% pass accuracy in the first half contrasted with Barcelona’s 2.1 expected goals, reflecting the game’s chaotic ebb and flow.
Inzaghi’s Regrets
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi, speaking post-match, lamented a disallowed goal and praised his team’s effort against “the best team in the world.” However, concerns arose over Lautaro Martinez’s first-half injury, a “twinge” after eight consecutive starts. “I hope it’s not serious,” Inzaghi said, noting limited rotation options with Marcus Thuram and Mehdi Taremi also recovering from injuries. Martinez’s potential absence for the second leg at San Siro on May 6, 2025, could impact Inter’s chances, with Transfermarkt valuing him at €85m.
Capello and Boban’s Legacy
Capello and Boban, who won the 1994 Champions League with Milan under Capello’s guidance (4-0 vs. Barcelona), brought authority to their analysis. Capello’s prediction, made when Inter’s 2-0 lead seemed commanding, highlighted his deep understanding of Barcelona’s attacking prowess, led by Yamal’s 7 dribbles and Torres’ 2 shots on target. Social media buzzed, with @SerieAFanatic on X calling Capello’s foresight “witchcraft,” while @BarcaBuzz praised Barcelona’s resilience despite a depleted squad missing Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde.
Second Leg Stakes
The 3-3 draw sets up a high-stakes second leg at San Siro, where Inter’s home record (unbeaten in 12 Champions League games) faces Barcelona’s away form (5 wins in 6). Inzaghi’s tactical setup, averaging 1.8 goals per game, must counter Barcelona’s 68% possession and 14 shots. Capello’s prediction, echoed by Corriere dello Sport’s 8/10 rating for both teams’ intensity, underscores the tie’s unpredictability. With Martinez’s fitness in doubt and Inter’s disallowed goal fueling debate, the outcome remains open, but Capello’s prophetic call has already etched this match into Champions League lore.
