Just ahead of the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal between FC Barcelona and Inter Milan, Robert Lewandowski’s absence from the starting lineup raised eyebrows. However, there may be an specific reason behind the decision.

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, center, is challenged by Inter Milan's Carlos Augusto, left, and Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni during the Champions League semifinal first leg soccer match between Barcelona and Inter Milan at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort) AP