In a thrilling encounter that will be remembered for its high drama and relentless action, Barcelona and Inter Milan played to a 3-3 draw in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on April 30, 2025. This match showcased the attacking prowess of both teams, with Barcelona fighting back twice to level the score after falling behind.
The match kicked off with a bang as Inter’s Marcus Thuram scored a sensational goal just 30 seconds in, marking the fastest goal in Champions League semi-final history. A well-placed cross from Denzel Dumfries found Thuram, who executed a brilliant backheel flick to give the visitors an early lead. This early setback forced Barcelona to respond quickly, and they did just that.
Barcelona settled into the match after a shaky start, dominating possession and creating chances. In the 24th minute, Lamine Yamal, celebrating his 100th appearance for the club, scored a stunning goal. The 17-year-old dribbled past several defenders before curling a shot into the net off the post, igniting the home crowd and leveling the score at 1-1.
However, Inter responded swiftly. Denzel Dumfries scored his first goal in the 21st minute, converting a corner kick with a powerful volley that left Barcelona's goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny with no chance. With this goal, Inter regained their lead at 2-1, but Barcelona would not be deterred.
Ferran Torres equalized for Barcelona in the 38th minute, capitalizing on a well-worked move that began with a diagonal ball from Pedri. Raphinha, who had a standout performance, cushioned the ball into Torres’s path, allowing him to finish calmly and bring the score to 2-2 before halftime.
The second half continued at a frenetic pace, and Inter once again took the lead through Dumfries, who scored his second goal in the 63rd minute. Another corner from Hakan Çalhanoglu found Dumfries, who leaped above the Barcelona defense to head the ball home, making it 3-2 for Inter.
Just when it seemed like Barcelona might falter, they equalized again in the 65th minute. Raphinha unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that hit the crossbar and deflected off Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer, crossing the goal line to level the match at 3-3. This goal showcased Barcelona’s resilience and fighting spirit, traits that have defined their campaign this season.
Despite the high score, both teams struggled with defensive lapses, particularly during set pieces, which proved costly for Barcelona. Coach Hansi Flick expressed concerns about the defensive solidity of his team, especially with key player Jules Kounde leaving the pitch due to injury in the 42nd minute. Kounde’s absence could loom large in the second leg, as Barcelona will need to tighten their defense to advance.
Inter’s coach Simone Inzaghi will also be worried about his team’s recent form, having suffered three consecutive defeats leading up to this match, including a 3-0 loss to AC Milan in the Coppa Italia. Despite their struggles, Inter demonstrated their capability to capitalize on set pieces, a facet of their game that could be pivotal in the upcoming second leg.
As the match concluded, both teams remained in the tie, with everything to play for in the second leg scheduled for May 6, 2025, at the San Siro in Milan. The winner of this tie will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the Champions League final, adding further stakes to an already intense matchup.
Looking ahead, Barcelona will have to regroup quickly as they prepare for a La Liga clash against Real Valladolid on May 3, while Inter will face Hellas Verona the same day. Both teams will be eager to build momentum ahead of their crucial second leg, with Barcelona hoping to leverage their home advantage and Inter aiming to turn their fortunes around.
This match not only highlighted the attacking talents of both squads but also set the stage for a potentially thrilling conclusion to the semi-final tie. With key players on both sides capable of changing the game, fans can expect another exciting encounter in Milan next week.
