On April 30, 2025, the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg between Barcelona and Inter Milan ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, showcasing an exhilarating clash between two of Europe's elite football clubs. The match took place at Barcelona's iconic Camp Nou, where fans witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions as both teams fought fiercely for an advantage ahead of the second leg.
The game kicked off dramatically, with Inter Milan striking first within just 30 seconds. Denzel Dumfries made a swift run down the right flank, delivering a precise cross that was deftly converted by Marcus Thuram with a backheel flick, giving Inter an electrifying early lead.
Despite the early setback, Barcelona quickly regained their composure and began to assert control over the match. However, it was not until the 21st minute that Inter struck again. From a corner, Francesco Acerbi managed to win the aerial duel, setting up Dumfries, who unleashed a stunning volley that found the back of the net, doubling Inter's lead to 2-0.
Just three minutes later, Barcelona's young star, Lamine Yamal, made his mark on the game. At just 17 years and 291 days old, Yamal scored a remarkable goal, marking his 100th appearance for the club. He received the ball on the right side, navigated through a crowded defense, and with a compact left-footed strike, he hit the left post before the ball nestled into the net. His goal not only reduced the deficit but also made him the youngest player to reach 100 appearances for Barcelona, surpassing the previous record held by Gabi.
Yamal's goal ignited the home crowd and revitalized Barcelona's attack. In the 38th minute, they found an equalizer when Ferran Torres capitalized on a cross from Pedri. Torres headed the ball back across the goal, and with a swift finish, he scored to level the match at 2-2 just before halftime.
As both teams entered the dressing rooms, the tension was palpable. Inter Milan's coach, Simone Inzaghi, made a crucial substitution, bringing on Mefdi Taremi for the injured Lautaro Martinez, while Barcelona replaced left-back Jules Kounde with Eric Garcia to shore up their defense.
The second half resumed with Barcelona maintaining possession, but Inter remained dangerous on the counter-attack. In the 63rd minute, Inter regained the lead with Dumfries scoring his second goal of the night from a corner kick, taking advantage of a lapse in Barcelona's defense.
However, the response from Barcelona was swift. Just two minutes later, Raphinha scored a powerful shot that deflected off Inter's goalkeeper, Jan Sommer, resulting in an own goal and bringing the score back to 3-3.
The match continued to unfold with both teams creating chances. Yamal, who had been a constant threat throughout the game, nearly scored again in the dying minutes, but his shot hit the crossbar, leaving the score unchanged as the referee blew the final whistle.
After the match, Inzaghi praised Yamal's performance, calling him a "once in 50 years" talent, emphasizing the difficulty his team faced in containing the young forward. Inzaghi remarked, "We played a fantastic game against what I consider the best and most attacking team in the world. We are very satisfied with the result, especially considering our recent struggles."
Barcelona's coach, Julian Nagelsmann, acknowledged the challenges his team faced but was optimistic about their chances in the second leg. He stated, "We need to win the next game; we have to be better defensively and capitalize on our opportunities. Today was a step in the right direction, but we need to finish stronger."
With the tie evenly poised, all eyes will be on the second leg, scheduled for May 6, 2025, at Inter Milan's San Siro stadium. Both teams will be looking to secure a spot in the Champions League final, and with the aggregate score tied at 3-3, the stage is set for another thrilling encounter.
