Inter Milan vs Barcelona: Why is Robert Lewandowski on the Bench Today? Will he play as Substitute?

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Barcelona are up against Inter Milan in the 2nd leg of Champions League semifinal on Tuesday (May 6). After a 3-3 stalemate in the first leg, the two teams are locking horns with all to play for.

And in a strategic move for the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan, Barcelona's head coach Hansi Flick has opted to start Robert Lewandowski on the bench.

This decision follows Lewandowski's recent recovery from a hamstring injury sustained during a La Liga match against Celta Vigo in April, which sidelined him for four matches, including the first leg of the semi-final that concluded in the stalemate.

Despite being Barcelona's leading scorer this season with 40 goals across all competitions, Flick emphasized caution in reintroducing the 36-year-old striker to the starting lineup.

"Everything goes in the right way, and he is good, much better than we expected, and he is ready for the bench. So maybe when we need him, he can come in," Flick stated, highlighting the importance of managing Lewandowski's return carefully.

Why is Robert Lewandowski on the Bench Today?

Robert Lewandowski is fit to be in the squad but the Polish striker has been kept on the bench. This approach allows Barcelona to maintain their attacking options while ensuring Lewandowski's fitness is not compromised.

The team's depth in attack, including players like Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha, provides Flick with flexibility in his tactical decisions. Lewandowski's presence on the bench offers a potent option should the match require his intervention, potentially providing a decisive impact in the latter stages of the game. The veteran is also likely not fully fit, which prompted the Barcelona coach from not risking him.

Barcelona aim to secure a spot in the Champions League final, and Flick's measured strategy reflects a balance between ambition and prudence, ensuring the team's competitiveness while safeguarding player welfare.