Former striker of the Russian national team Dmitry Bulykin commented on the upcoming Champions League semi final between Milan and Inter. He noted that both Italian clubs enter the tie with real potential to advance to the final, while also acknowledging that the high stakes of the two legs could impact the overall historical balance of these famous clashes.
He explained that two top teams from the same country facing off creates a unique dynamic. The rivalry is well understood by both sides, and the Champions League atmosphere tends to elevate every decision on the field. In this competition, small errors stand out and can decide the outcome, so players must stay disciplined and avoid costly mistakes. Bulykin emphasized that the path to the final can swing in either direction, a reality fans have witnessed repeatedly in this competition.
Milan had eliminated Napoli from the tournament by securing a 1-0 victory in the first leg, followed by a draw in the second leg. Inter meanwhile beat Benfica in the first semi final and then finished the tie with a 3-3 aggregate in the second match. The other semi final pairing features Real Madrid and Manchester City. Real Madrid beat Chelsea 2-0 in both legs, while Manchester City edged Bayern 3-0 in the first leg and drew 1-1 in the second.
Valery Gladilin, a former player and coach with Spartak, stated that the side that better prepares its squad will win the Milan derby in the Champions League. His assessment reflects the broader view that tactical preparation and strategic execution often decide these high pressure encounters in Europe’s premier club competition.