In a thrilling first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final, Barcelona and Inter Milan played to a dramatic 3-3 draw at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona. The match showcased the resilience and attacking prowess of both teams, setting the stage for an exhilarating return leg at the Giuseppe Meazza on May 6, 2025.
Inter Milan made a stunning start to the match, taking the lead just 40 seconds in with a spectacular backheel goal from Marcus Thuram. This early strike sent a clear message to Barcelona, but the Catalans responded with determination. Inter doubled their advantage in the 21st minute when Denzel Dumfries executed an acrobatic scissor kick following a corner, leaving the home crowd stunned.
However, Barcelona was quick to fight back. Just three minutes later, Lamine Yamal pulled one back for the hosts with a brilliant left-footed shot that curled into the net. The young star displayed exceptional skill as he evaded defenders to find space for his shot. The momentum shifted further in favor of Barcelona when Ferran Torres equalized in the 38th minute, capitalizing on a precise pass from Raphinha.
After the halftime break, Inter regained the lead in the 63rd minute with Dumfries scoring again, this time with a header from a corner kick. The Dutch international's performance was nothing short of spectacular, earning him the UEFA MVP award for the match. "It was a good game, we played with heart after three defeats, and we saw the real Inter tonight," Dumfries said post-match. "Everything is still open for the return leg at San Siro. We are a strong team and we need to show it every game."
Just as Inter appeared to have the upper hand, Barcelona struck back once more. In the 65th minute, Raphinha unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that struck the crossbar, rebounding off Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer and into the net for an own goal, leveling the score at 3-3. This moment showcased the unpredictable nature of the match, with both teams exchanging blows in a high-stakes encounter.
Despite several opportunities in the final minutes, including a disallowed goal for Inter's Henrikh Mkhitaryan due to a marginal offside call, neither team could find the winner. Mkhitaryan expressed his frustration over the disallowed goal, stating, "I will think about it for the rest of my life, a two or three-centimeter offside... we could have taken the lead at a crucial moment. But we need to keep our heads up and focus on the return leg."
Defensively, Inter faced challenges containing Yamal, who was a constant threat throughout the match. Alessandro Bastoni acknowledged the difficulty of the matchup, saying, "Barcelona is a very strong team, but it's great to compete against such players. We need to rest now and focus on our next league match against Verona before the return leg."
The match was not without its injuries, with Inter's Lautaro Martínez being substituted after sustaining a knock. His absence was felt, but the team managed to adapt and maintain their competitive spirit. Coach Simone Inzaghi will be looking to have both Thuram and Dumfries back in the starting lineup for the crucial second leg.
Looking ahead, the return leg promises to be an electrifying affair as both teams vie for a spot in the Champions League final. With the aggregate score tied and both clubs showcasing their attacking talents, fans can expect another thrilling encounter. Dumfries encapsulated the team's mindset, saying, "We are strong, and we need to prove it in every game. Everything is possible for the return."
As the teams prepare for their next clash, the anticipation builds. Will Inter capitalize on their home advantage, or will Barcelona find a way to secure their place in the final? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Champions League semi-final is far from over.
