In a thrilling Champions League semifinal first leg, FC Barcelona and Inter Milan battled to a dramatic 3-3 draw at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on April 30, 2025. The match saw both teams showcasing their attacking prowess, with Barcelona's young star Lamine Yamal stealing the spotlight.
The game kicked off with a bang as Inter's Marcus Thuram scored the fastest goal in Champions League semifinal history, netting just one minute into the match with a backheel flick. This early strike shocked the home crowd and set the tone for a high-octane encounter. Barcelona struggled to find their rhythm initially, but the home side's response was swift.
Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí, a standout performer, made 63 interventions with a pass accuracy of 96.7%, anchoring the defense despite the early setback. The young central defender's contributions were vital as the team sought to regain control.
Inter doubled their lead in the 17th minute when Denzel Dumfries scored with a stunning volley from a corner taken by Hakan Calhanoglu. The Dutchman’s goal sent a wave of concern through the Barcelona ranks as they found themselves trailing 0-2.
However, Lamine Yamal, just 17 years old, ignited the hopes of the Barcelona fans with a spectacular solo effort to pull one back in the 30th minute. Yamal navigated through the Inter defense before unleashing a powerful shot that hit the crossbar before finding the net. His goal not only marked a pivotal moment in the match but also made him the youngest player to score in a Champions League semifinal, surpassing Kylian Mbappé's record.
Barcelona's momentum continued to build, and they equalized shortly after with Ferran Torres finding the net, converting a cross from Raphinha after a well-worked team move. The stadium erupted as the score leveled at 2-2, showcasing Barcelona's resilience.
Just before halftime, Dumfries struck again, scoring his second goal of the night from another corner, restoring Inter's lead to 3-2. The first half ended with a flurry of excitement, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
The second half saw both teams exchanging chances, with Barcelona pushing for an equalizer. Raphinha, who had been a constant threat, managed to score the third goal for Barcelona with a long-range effort that deflected off Sommer, bringing the score to 3-3.
Despite the intense pressure from the home side, Inter's defense held firm, and the match concluded in a stalemate. Both teams will head into the second leg with everything to play for, as the tie remains finely poised.
After the match, Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick reflected on the performance, acknowledging the need for improvement in defensive organization. "We have to focus on the details, but we also have to be positive. We are going to Milan with the mindset to win," he stated.
Inter's manager Simone Inzaghi praised his team's resilience but admitted they could have performed better. "We started the match poorly and paid for it, but we reacted well. We have to learn from our mistakes for the return leg," he said.
Lamine Yamal's performance caught the attention of many, including Inter's Bastoni, who labeled him as "the best in the world". Mkhitaryan, another Inter player, expressed hopes of limiting Yamal's impact in the second leg, highlighting the young talent's growing influence on the game.
As the teams prepare for the decisive second leg in Milan, the anticipation is palpable. Both sides have shown their capabilities, and with the aggregate score tied, the upcoming clash promises to be another thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry.
With the Champions League final in sight, Barcelona remains focused on their goal of lifting the trophy, while Inter aims to capitalize on their experience in knockout stages. The second leg will be a true test of character and skill for both clubs as they vie for a place in the final.
The match was not only a showcase of talent but also a reminder of the rich history and fierce competition that defines the Champions League. As fans eagerly await the next encounter, one thing is certain: the excitement is far from over.
