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 on April 30, 2025. The match was marked by the electrifying performance of 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who celebrated his 100th appearance for the club with a sensational display.
The evening started ominously for Barcelona as they found themselves trailing just 30 seconds into the match. Inter’s Marcus Thuram flicked a close-range finish past goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, catching the home side completely off guard. The early goal set the tone for a challenging night, as Denzel Dumfries doubled Inter's lead with an acrobatic volley from a corner in the 21st minute, putting the Catalans in a precarious position.
However, Yamal was not to be deterred. The young winger, known for his dazzling dribbling and pace, began to take control of the game. After several promising runs, he finally got his reward in the 29th minute. Yamal executed a brilliant solo effort, weaving through the Inter defense before curling a shot into the far corner, halving the deficit and igniting hope among the home fans. "LAMINE YAMAL PULLS ONE BACK!" exclaimed commentators as the crowd erupted in celebration.
Despite Yamal's heroics, Barcelona's struggles were far from over. Just after the hour mark, Dumfries struck again for Inter, heading in from a corner to restore their lead at 3-2. But the resilience of Xavi's side shone through once more. Within two minutes, Raphinha's powerful shot crashed off the bar and fortuitously bounced in off Inter's goalkeeper Yann Sommer, leveling the score at 3-3.
Throughout the match, Yamal continued to be a thorn in Inter's side, hitting the woodwork twice and creating numerous chances for his teammates. He displayed a level of maturity and skill that belied his age, leaving defenders in his wake and showcasing why he is considered one of the most exciting young talents in European football. After the match, even Manchester City star Erling Haaland took to social media to express his admiration, posting a clip of Yamal in action and stating, "This guy is incredible."
The match was not without its tense moments. Barcelona, needing to win at home to gain an edge in the tie, faced a barrage of attacks from Inter, who were determined to capitalize on their early lead. Szczesny was called into action multiple times, notably when he had to fly off his line to deny Dumfries a clear shot on goal in the 80th minute.
As the clock wound down, Yamal nearly clinched a dramatic winner, clipping a shot off the bar with just three minutes remaining. His performance was a testament to his potential and the bright future ahead for the young star. Barcelona's fans left the stadium buzzing, knowing their side had shown incredible spirit to fight back from two goals down.
The draw leaves the tie finely balanced as both teams prepare for the second leg at the San Siro. With the aggregate score tied at 3-3, the upcoming match promises to be just as thrilling. Barcelona will need to maintain their momentum and build on the positives from this encounter, particularly the emergence of Yamal as a key player in crucial moments.
Barcelona had not reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in seven years, making this match all the more significant for the club and its supporters. The stakes are high as they aim to reclaim their status among Europe’s elite, and with players like Yamal leading the charge, hope is alive in Catalonia.
As the teams prepare for the return leg, the question remains: can Barcelona capitalize on their home advantage and secure a place in the final? One thing is for sure, if Lamine Yamal continues to perform at this level, the sky is the limit for both him and the team.
