How do Inter stop Barcelona’s rampant duo of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal? | OneFootball

Inter take on Barcelona away from home today in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinals tie. If Inter are to win this, they must find a way to stop Barca’s pairing on the wings – Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. The Brazilian has been the player of this Champions League campaign and 19 of his 48 goal contributions this season have come in this competition. Yamal, the magic teenager, has 4 goals and 3 assists in the Champions League this time around, and 32 across all club competitions. It is clear that they are game-changers. So what do Inter do against them?With Raphinha, a lot of his best comes through his movement and the runs he makes. Inter must always have someone tracking those. The Brazilian is also extremely left footed and if forced wide, can be limited to early crosses. However, given Denzel Dumfries will be asked to attack, someone has to pay close attention to Raphinha throughout, given how dangerous he is on the break as well. With Lamine Yamal, things are much more difficult. If he’s on it, there’s very little most teams can do. The 17 year old is arguably the best dribbler in the world and his final ball is also among the very best. The best thing Inter can do is cut him off from the game, and decrease his influence by cutting off the supply of balls to him. When he is in possession, Simone Inzaghi will in all likelihood, be looking to put at least two defenders on him. Barely anyone has managed to keep both Lamine Yamal and Raphinha silent this season. But if Inter want to play the Champions League final again, they have to do it. Kaulik Mitra | GIFN