Inter could take an important step towards qualification, while Sparta aims to recover from the latest turmoil
Still looking for direct qualification to the Champions League round of 16, Inter returns to the pitch for the competition this Wednesday (22nd). It will be the turn of Sparta Prague (28th place), in the capital of the Czech Republic, from 5pm (Brasilia time), at the Generali Arena, for the seventh and penultimate round of the League Phase.
In sixth place, Inter had remained unbeaten until the last round, played at the beginning of December. On that occasion Simone Inzaghi’s team lost 1-0 against Bayer Leverkusen (fourth), also conceding their first goal in the competition. Let’s see how the teams arrive for Wednesday’s duel.
How to get to Sparta Prague
Sparta have not played officially since December 15th. After all, in addition to the stop of the Champions League, the Czech championship also stops due to the strong winter in the region. Therefore, this year the team played two friendly matches, with the aim of preparing for the return of official activities.
The Czech team thus won the duels against Malmo-SUE (3-1) and Bodo/Glimt-NOR (3-0). But in the Champions League the team is coming off a terrible period. After all, it appears in the humble 28th position (there are 36 clubs), already four points from 24th, the last team that guarantees a place in front.
Sparta also won the opening round, but have not won since. There were four defeats in the next five matches, with the team becoming something of a “punching bag” for the giants. He took four from Feyenoord, six from Atlético de Madrid and five from Manchester City.
To make matters worse, coach Lars Friis has many absences. Cobbaut, Garcia, Preciado, Rrahmani and Tuci are unavailable due to injury. Kuchta, Solbakken and Uchenna, signed in the window, are inactive.
How do you get to Inter?
Despite two stumbles in the last four matches, Inter remain credited as one of the favorites for the most advanced stage of the Champions League. The Nerazzurri suffered a heavy blow with the comeback defeat (3-2) against rivals Milan in the Italian Super Cup final and did nothing but draw 2-2 with Bologna on the penultimate matchday.
Subsequently, however, the team recovered and beat Empoli 3-1, with a great performance in the second phase. Inter thus remains hot on Napoli’s heels for the Italian title, three points behind, but with a match in hand.
If they beat Sparta Prague they would reach 16 points in the Champions League phase and practically seal direct qualification to the round of 16 (the top eight advance directly). To do this, Simone Inzaghi will have to make up for the absences of Çalhanoglu, JoaquÃn Correa, Bisseck and Di Gennaro. Acerbi is still in doubt. As for the team that beat Empoli, the Brazilian Carlos Augusto should give way to Bastoni, while Zielinski and Taremi should leave for the return of Mkhitaryan and Thuram.
Sparta Prague x Inter
7th round of the 2024/25 Champions League phase
Date and time: Wednesday 01/22/2025, at 5pm (Brasilia time)
Position: Generali Arena, Prague (CZE)
Sparta Prague: Vindahl; Sorensen, Panak and Zeleny; Suchomel, Pavelka, Kairinen and Sadilek; Olatundji, Birmancevic and Wiesner. Technician: Lars Friis.
Inter: Summer; Pavard, de Vrij and Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan (Zielisnki) and Dimarco; Thuram (Taremi) and Lautaro Martinez. Technician: Simone Inzaghi.
Referee: Alejandro Hernández (ESP)
Auxiliaries: José Naranjo (ESP) and Diego Sánchez Rojo (ESP)
VAR: Juan Martinez Munuera (ESP)
Where to look: MAXIMUM
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Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
