Inter’s Champions League path: Easiest and toughest opponents on road to final | OneFootball

Inter may have breathed a sigh of relief upon learning they would avoid Milan and Juventus in the Champions League Round of 16, although they are well aware that Feyenoord must be handled with caution.

However, Friday’s draw suggests that their journey could still present major obstacles—or a more favourable route—depending on how results unfold.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 10: Internazionale players celebrate their 1st goal, an own goal by Marin Pongracic of Fiorentina, during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Fiorentina at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 10, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter’s best and worst-case scenarios on their road to the Champions League final

The Nerazzurri’s placement in the lower half of the draw could prove to be a major advantage for Simone Inzaghi’s men, ensuring they will not meet European powerhouses like Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, or Liverpool until the final.

Yet, they’re far from having an easy path guaranteed – as it stands, Inter could face Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals and Barcelona in the semi-finals – two daunting challenges against clubs with a proven European record.

Inter’s 2023 European campaign serves as a reminder that fortune can sometimes smile upon them, easing their path. That season, they faced Porto and Benfica before meeting city rivals Milan in an all-Italian semifinal—a favorable draw that helped them reach the Istanbul final against Manchester City.

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 29: Caio Henrique of AS Monaco is challenged by Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between FC Internazionale Milano and AS Monaco at Stadio San Siro on January 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

A similarly favorable scenario this year would see Bayer Leverkusen eliminate their Bundesliga rivals in the Round of 16, paving the way for a softer quarter-final. Additionally, a potential semi-final clash against Barcelona could become more manageable if one of Borussia Dortmund, Lille, or Benfica progresses instead.

While it remains highly unlikely that Club Brugge, Aston Villa, or PSV Eindhoven will reach the final, facing a powerhouse like Real Madrid or Liverpool in a single-game showdown could arguably be preferable to battling them over two legs.

Regardless of how the draw unfolds, Simone Inzaghi’s side must remain focused and avoid underestimating any opponent—an error they didn’t make in the group-stage and cannot afford now in the knock-out phase.