In an electrifying UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg, Barcelona and Inter Milan played to a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona on April 30, 2025. This match marked the first time these two storied clubs faced off at this stage since Inter's triumph in 2010, and it did not disappoint, delivering a rollercoaster of emotions, skill, and drama.
The match kicked off with immediate intensity as Marcus Thuram put Inter ahead just 30 seconds into the game, scoring the fastest goal in UEFA Champions League semifinal history. Thuram's outrageous flick off a cross from Denzel Dumfries set the tone for a high-octane encounter, forcing Barcelona to respond quickly.
Barcelona, fresh off their Copa del Rey victory, showcased their attacking prowess, with Lamine Yamal marking his 100th appearance for the club with a stunning equalizer in the 24th minute. Yamal, just 17 years old, received the ball near the sideline, dribbled past defenders, and curled a left-footed shot off the inside of the far post, igniting the home crowd and momentarily shifting momentum.
Ferran Torres added to the excitement, scoring Barcelona's second goal in the 38th minute. Following a beautifully orchestrated move initiated by Pedri, Raphinha cushioned the ball for Torres, who smashed it home to make it 2-2. The first half ended with both teams exchanging blows, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
As the second half unfolded, Inter regained the lead through Dumfries, who headed home a corner kick from Hakan Calhanoglu in the 63rd minute. Dumfries' second goal of the night highlighted Inter's ability to capitalize on set pieces, a tactic they have employed effectively throughout the tournament.
However, Barcelona responded almost immediately. Just two minutes after Dumfries' goal, an unfortunate own goal by Inter's goalkeeper Yann Sommer leveled the score at 3-3. Raphinha's shot hit the crossbar, ricocheted off Sommer, and crossed the line, completing the thrilling scoring for the night.
The match featured a flurry of chances and near misses, with both teams demonstrating their attacking flair and defensive resilience. Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick praised his team's spirit, noting, "We showed great character to come back and fight for every ball. This is the essence of Barcelona football."
Inter's manager Simone Inzaghi echoed similar sentiments, stating, "We came here to compete and prove we belong at this level. The draw reflects our determination and tactical discipline, but we must build on this in the second leg."
Looking ahead, the second leg of this semifinal tie is set for May 6, 2025, at the San Siro in Milan, where both teams will vie for a spot in the Champions League final. The stakes could not be higher, as the winner will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal, who are currently locked in their own semifinal battle.
For Barcelona, the challenge will be to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their home advantage, while Inter will aim to leverage their strong defensive record, having allowed just five goals in the Champions League this season. The anticipation for the return leg is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting what promises to be another captivating clash between these European giants.
As both teams prepare for the decisive second leg, the excitement surrounding this semifinal continues to build. With high-profile players like Robert Lewandowski, who remains a doubt for Barcelona due to injury, and the ever-dangerous Lautaro Martinez for Inter, the upcoming match is sure to be a spectacle.
In conclusion, this first leg showcased the best of European football, with Barcelona and Inter Milan both demonstrating their quality and resolve. As the teams gear up for the second leg, fans can only hope for another unforgettable encounter filled with skill, drama, and perhaps, even more goals.
