In a match that will be etched in UEFA Champions League history, Barcelona and Inter Milan played out a pulsating 3-3 draw in the first leg of their semifinal clash at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The encounter, marked by breathtaking goals, relentless attacking, and dramatic momentum shifts, lived up to its billing as a showdown between two European giants. With the tie now finely poised, both teams head to the San Siro next week with everything to play for.
Inter Milan stunned the home crowd just 30 seconds into the match when Marcus Thuram, back from a thigh injury, latched onto a swift counter-attack and produced a sublime backheeled finish past Wojciech Szczesny. The goal, the fastest ever in a Champions League semifinal, set the tone for a chaotic opening. Inter capitalized on their early momentum in the 13th minute when Denzel Dumfries executed a spectacular overhead kick from a corner, doubling their lead and silencing the Catalan faithful.
Barcelona, reeling from the early deficit, struggled to find their rhythm against Inter’s disciplined defense. However, the tide began to turn in the 25th minute when 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal marked his 100th appearance for the club with a moment of magic. Cutting in from the right, Yamal weaved past defenders and unleashed a stunning strike to pull one back, igniting the stadium and shifting the momentum.
The hosts leveled the score just before halftime through Ferran Torres, who capitalized on a pinpoint pass from Raphinha to slot home. The goal sent Barcelona into the break with renewed belief, while Inter’s players looked rattled after squandering their two-goal cushion.
The second half was an end-to-end spectacle, with both teams trading blows. Inter regained the lead in the 67th minute when Dumfries rose highest to head in another set-piece, exposing Barcelona’s vulnerability in the air. But the lead lasted mere seconds as Raphinha, Barcelona’s talisman this season, responded with a moment of brilliance. His fierce strike from the edge of the box ricocheted off the crossbar, hit Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer on the back, and bounced into the net for a fortuitous equalizer.
As the match entered its final stages, both sides pushed for a winner. Inter thought they had taken the lead again when Henrikh Mkhitaryan slotted home, but the goal was disallowed for a tight offside call, upheld by the semi-automated VAR system. Moments later, Dumfries squandered a golden opportunity, opting to pass instead of shoot after bursting into the box.
Barcelona, spurred on by their vocal home support, camped in Inter’s half, with Yamal and Torres testing Sommer repeatedly. Inter, however, remained dangerous on the counter, with Thuram’s pace stretching Barcelona’s high defensive line. Despite chances at both ends, the scoreline remained 3-3, leaving the tie wide open for the second leg.
Lamine Yamal was the standout for Barcelona, his goal and relentless energy earning him plaudits as the match’s brightest spark. Raphinha, with a goal and an assist, continued his Ballon d’Or-worthy campaign, while Ferran Torres justified his selection ahead of the absent Robert Lewandowski, who missed the game due to unspecified reasons.
For Inter, Denzel Dumfries was a revelation, scoring twice and providing an assist in a performance that showcased his athleticism and aerial prowess. Marcus Thuram, despite not being at full fitness, proved his class with an early goal and constant menace. However, Inter’s defense, missing the injured Benjamin Pavard, struggled to contain Barcelona’s dynamic wingers, a concern for coach Simone Inzaghi heading into the return leg.
Barcelona will take heart from their unbeaten home record against Inter in the Champions League (W5 D2) and their free-scoring form, having netted 21 goals in six home matches this season. Inter, despite their recent domestic struggles, demonstrated their resilience and clinical edge, with their eight clean sheets in the competition highlighting their defensive pedigree.
The second leg on May 6 at the San Siro promises to be another blockbuster, with both teams capable of reaching the final. Barcelona’s attacking flair will face a stern test against Inter’s home fortress, while Inzaghi’s side will need to rediscover their scoring touch after a barren run in Serie A.