In a thrilling UEFA Champions League semifinal clash at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona and Inter Milan battled to a dramatic 3-3 draw on April 30, 2025. The match showcased the talents of both teams, with Barcelona looking to capitalize on their home advantage and Inter hoping to secure a vital away goal.
The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stadium, eager to witness a match that could potentially lead to a historic final for the Catalan side. This was Barcelona's first appearance in the Champions League semifinals in six years, a stark contrast to their last outing when they suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Liverpool. Coach Hansi Flick's squad was eager to make a statement, especially after their recent victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.
Inter Milan, under the guidance of Simone Inzaghi, came into the match as a formidable opponent, having reached the semifinals after a hard-fought victory against Bayern Munich. The Nerazzurri were determined to make their mark, and they wasted no time in asserting their presence on the pitch.
Just 30 seconds into the game, Marcus Thuram gave Inter an early lead, scoring with a deft backheel that caught the Barcelona defense off guard. The goal sent shockwaves through the stadium, but the home team quickly regrouped, eager to respond.
Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, who had raised concerns earlier in the day due to a muscular discomfort during warm-ups, proved his mettle by scoring a sensational goal in the 24th minute. At just 17 years and 291 days old, Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in Champions League semifinal history, showcasing his incredible talent and composure under pressure. His powerful strike from the edge of the box found the back of the net, igniting hope among the Barcelona faithful.
The match continued to ebb and flow, with both teams creating numerous chances. Inter Milan's Yann Sommer made several crucial saves, including a remarkable stop against Yamal's close-range effort shortly after his goal. The young prodigy was clearly a standout performer, demonstrating his ability to influence the game significantly.
As the first half progressed, Inter regained the lead thanks to a well-placed header from Denzel Dumfries, who capitalized on a corner kick to put the visitors ahead once again. The tension was palpable as the teams headed into halftime with Inter leading 2-1.
However, Barcelona was not to be outdone. The second half saw the home side come out with renewed vigor, and their persistence paid off when Ferran Torres equalized in the 60th minute. A well-executed play involving Yamal and Pedri set up Torres for a straightforward finish, bringing the score to 2-2.
Just minutes later, Barcelona's momentum surged as they took the lead for the first time in the match, with Yamal once again at the heart of the action. His relentless efforts on the right flank caused chaos in the Inter defense, and after a series of passes, Raphinha found the net, making it 3-2.
But the drama didn't end there. Inter Milan, refusing to back down, pushed for an equalizer and was rewarded when Davide Frattesi scored a seemingly decisive goal. However, the joy was short-lived as the goal was disallowed for offside after a lengthy VAR check. The match remained tense as both teams fought for control.
In a nail-biting finish, Inter's persistence paid off when they equalized through a stunning effort from Marcus Thuram, who scored his second of the night, bringing the final score to 3-3. The match ended in a draw, leaving everything to play for in the second leg at San Siro on May 6.
Post-match, both coaches reflected on the intense encounter. Inzaghi praised his team's resilience, stating, "We showed great character to come back twice in a hostile environment. We know we can perform better at home, and we look forward to that challenge."
Flick, on the other hand, expressed pride in his team's performance, particularly highlighting Yamal's contributions. "Lamine is a special talent. He has the heart of a lion, and he showed that tonight. We are still in a strong position going into the second leg, and we believe we can finish the job in Milan," he said.
With the aggregate score tied, the stage is set for an exhilarating second leg. Both teams will be eager to secure their place in the Champions League final, with Barcelona aiming for their first title in a decade and Inter seeking to end a 15-year drought. The anticipation builds as fans prepare for what promises to be another unforgettable clash in the heart of Milan.
