In a thrilling encounter at Montjuïc Stadium, FC Barcelona and Inter Milan played to a dramatic 3-3 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on April 30, 2025. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience.
The game kicked off with a bang, as Marcus Thuram stunned the home crowd by scoring just 30 seconds into the match. The Frenchman executed a brilliant backheel flick, sending the ball past Barcelona's goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny to give Inter an early lead (0-1).
As the first half progressed, Inter continued to apply pressure and doubled their advantage in the 21st minute. Denzel Dumfries displayed his acrobatic skills with a spectacular scissor kick from a corner, leaving Szczęsny with no chance as the ball flew into the net (0-2).
However, Barcelona was not about to roll over. Just three minutes later, the young sensation Lamine Yamal, who was making his 100th appearance for the club, ignited the Catalan side with a stunning goal. Yamal's strike from the edge of the box found the back of the net, sparking hope among the home fans (1-2).
The momentum shifted further in favor of Barcelona when Ferran Torres equalized in the 38th minute. Following a beautiful team move, Torres found himself in the right position to slot the ball home, bringing the score to 2-2 just before halftime.
As the teams returned for the second half, the intensity remained high. Inter regained the lead in the 64th minute when Dumfries scored his second goal of the night, heading in from a corner after Szczęsny misjudged the delivery (2-3). The Dutchman’s performance was crucial for Inter, showcasing his ability to capitalize on set pieces.
Yet again, Barcelona responded almost immediately. Just a minute later, Raphinha unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that rattled the crossbar and rebounded off Sommer, resulting in an own goal that leveled the score at 3-3 (3-3).
Both sides had chances to clinch the victory in the dying moments of the match. Yamal, who had been a constant threat throughout the game, struck the crossbar again in the 87th minute, nearly giving Barcelona the lead. The young winger's performance was nothing short of sensational, earning him praise from his coach Hansi Flick, who called him a "genius" after the match.
After the match, Marcus Thuram reflected on the game, stating, "We are satisfied and very tired. It’s only the first half, and I hope the return leg will be a great match. Players like Yamal cannot be stopped alone; you have to stop them as a team." Henrikh Mkhitaryan, whose goal was disallowed for offside, emphasized the need to contain Yamal in the return leg, saying, "We must not let Yamal play in the second leg."
Alessandro Bastoni, a standout for Inter, praised Yamal, asserting, "He is the best player in the world right now. We must give compliments to him. The return will be very tough, and we will try to put on a great performance, especially defensively."
The match ended with both teams sharing the spoils, leaving everything to play for in the second leg in Milan next week. With the aggregate score tied, the anticipation for the return fixture is already building, as both clubs vie for a spot in the Champions League final on May 31, 2025, in Munich.
Barcelona, currently leading La Liga and fresh off a Copa del Rey victory, is still in pursuit of a historic quadruple this season. The challenge posed by Inter, however, will require every ounce of their fighting spirit and tactical prowess in the upcoming clash.
As the players left the pitch, the excitement for the next encounter was palpable. Fans will be eagerly awaiting to see if Barcelona can overcome the formidable Inter side and advance to the Champions League final.
