Barcelona and Inter Milan shared a compelling 3-3 draw in a high-octane Champions League semi-final first leg clash on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. This thrilling encounter kept fans on the edge of their seats, showcasing a remarkable display of skill, resilience, and drama from both teams.
The match exploded into life within the first minute as Inter’s Marcus Thuram scored the fastest ever goal in a Champions League semi-final, deftly back-heeling a low cross from Denzel Dumfries into the net. The early strike stunned the home crowd and gave the visitors an immediate advantage.
Despite being on the back foot, Barcelona regrouped and began to assert their dominance. However, Inter doubled their lead in the 21st minute when Dumfries, who had turned provider just moments earlier, volleyed home an overhead kick following a corner taken by Francesco Acerbi. The Italian side seemed to have control of the match, but Barcelona was not ready to back down.
Just three minutes later, in the 24th minute, Lamine Yamal, making his 100th appearance for Barcelona, provided a moment of magic. The 17-year-old winger slalomed through Inter’s defense, curling a beautiful shot into the far corner, bringing the score to 2-1 and reigniting hope for the home fans.
As the first half progressed, Barcelona continued to press, and their efforts paid off in the 38th minute. Ferran Torres found the net after a well-worked move involving Raphinha, leveling the score at 2-2 just before halftime. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as both teams headed to the locker room.
The second half saw Inter regain the lead in the 64th minute when Dumfries scored his second goal of the match, this time with a powerful header from a corner kick. Hakan Çalhanoğlu provided the assist, and it seemed as if Inter had the momentum once again.
However, the drama was far from over. Just a minute later, Barcelona equalized again thanks to an unfortunate own goal by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer. Raphinha’s thunderous shot struck the bar and ricocheted off Sommer’s back into the net, making it 3-3. The home crowd erupted in celebration, sensing that their team could still snatch a victory.
Both teams had opportunities to claim the win in the final stages of the match. Yamal, who had been a constant threat throughout the game, hit the crossbar for the second time late on, while Inter had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside, leaving the match delicately poised.
After the final whistle, both coaches reflected on the thrilling encounter. Inter Milan's coach, Simone Inzaghi, praised Yamal, calling him "a talent of the type born every 50 years." Inzaghi acknowledged the challenges his team faced, especially after conceding three goals but also highlighted the pride he felt in their performance. "After three defeats in a row, we saw the real Inter tonight; we played with heart and I'm proud," he said.
Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick, echoed similar sentiments regarding Yamal’s impact on the game. "Lamine in the first half was so important for us; he created so many positive things and got the first goal," Flick said. He emphasized the importance of Yamal in turning the tide for Barcelona, showcasing his extraordinary talent on such a big stage.
As the match concluded, both teams left the pitch knowing that everything was still to play for in the second leg, which is set to take place at the iconic San Siro in Milan next Tuesday, May 6, 2025. The winner of this semi-final tie will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the final on May 31, 2025, in Munich.
The draw sets up an enticing second leg, with both teams feeling they have a chance to progress. Inter will take confidence from their strong start and the performance of Dumfries, who was named player of the match for his two goals. Meanwhile, Barcelona will look to build on their attacking prowess and the exceptional play of their young star, Lamine Yamal, as they aim to secure a place in the final.
In the end, the 3-3 draw was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, as they delivered a night of thrilling football that will be remembered for years to come. With the tie finely balanced, fans can expect another exhilarating encounter in Milan.
