In a thrilling UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg, FC Barcelona and Inter Milan played to a dramatic 3-3 draw at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuic on April 30, 2025. The match featured a whirlwind of action, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience.
Inter Milan struck first, with French forward Marcus Thuram scoring the fastest goal in Champions League semi-final history just 30 seconds into the match. Returning from injury, Thuram capitalized on a slip by Barcelona's Inigo Martinez, finishing with a deft back-heel flick after Denzel Dumfries provided a low cross from the right. This early goal silenced the home crowd and set the tone for a tense encounter.
Despite their recent struggles, having lost three consecutive matches in domestic competitions, Inter displayed remarkable tenacity. Dumfries doubled their lead shortly after, showcasing his athleticism with an acrobatic finish from a corner, leaving Barcelona trailing 2-0.
However, Barcelona, determined to make their mark in this year's Champions League, quickly responded. Lamine Yamal, in his 100th appearance for the club, ignited the Catalan side's comeback with a stunning solo effort. The 17-year-old winger weaved through defenders and curled a precise shot into the net, making him the youngest player ever to score in a Champions League semi-final.
As the first half progressed, Barcelona gained momentum. Ferran Torres leveled the score at 2-2, converting a header from Raphinha's assist after a well-placed ball from Pedri. The atmosphere in Montjuic intensified as the home team fought back, buoyed by the support of nearly 50,000 fans.
Yet, Inter was not to be outdone. They regained the lead when Dumfries scored again, this time benefiting from a corner that bounced off Dani Olmo before finding the back of the net. Just as it seemed Inter would take a lead into halftime, Raphinha struck back with a powerful shot that deflected off the unfortunate Yann Sommer, resulting in an own goal that brought the score to 3-3.
"Letting in that many goals (here) is unacceptable, but we also have to give Inter credit, they did very well," said Raphinha after the match. "The important thing is we leave with a result where everything can happen."
Inter's captain, Dumfries, expressed pride in his team's performance, saying, "After three defeats in a row we saw the real Inter tonight, we played with heart and I'm proud. Obviously we wanted to win but I think it was a good performance and it's still all to play for."
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick praised his team's resilience despite the challenges they faced. With the prospect of a final against either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal looming, both teams will be eager to secure their place in the final with the second leg set to take place in Milan on May 6, 2025.
As the match concluded, it was evident that both teams had left everything on the field. The draw leaves the tie perfectly poised for the return leg, where the stakes will be even higher. With both teams showing flashes of brilliance, fans can expect another electrifying clash as they vie for a spot in the prestigious Champions League final.
