Date: April 30, 2025
Location: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona
The UEFA Champions League semi-finals delivered a blockbuster clash as FC Barcelona and Inter Milan played out a pulsating 3-3 draw in the first leg at Montjuïc. In front of a roaring home crowd, both giants showcased attacking prowess, tactical depth, and individual brilliance, setting up an electrifying return leg in Milan on May 6.
A Tale of Two Halves — And Six Goals
Inter Milan came out of the gates firing, stunning the hosts with a quick two-goal lead:
- Marcus Thuram broke the deadlock in the 12th minute with a composed finish following a swift counter-attack.
- Denzel Dumfries, marauding down the right wing, doubled the advantage in the 21st minute with a clinical strike after latching onto Federico Dimarco’s cross.
With Barcelona on the ropes, Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old sensation, turned the tide. On his 100th appearance for the Blaugrana, Yamal curled a sublime shot into the far corner in the 32nd minute, becoming the youngest scorer ever in a Champions League semi-final, surpassing Kylian Mbappé’s record.
Just before halftime, Ferran Torres brought the match level at 2-2, tapping in after a clever cut-back from Joao Cancelo.
The second half mirrored the drama of the first:
- Dumfries struck again for Inter in the 63rd minute, restoring the visitors’ lead with a bullet header from a corner.
- Barcelona, relentless in their pursuit, equalized once more in the 78th minute. A powerful shot from Raphinha deflected off Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer and crossed the line as an own goal, sparking celebrations across Montjuïc.
Key Performances
- Lamine Yamal: A star born on Europe’s biggest stage. His vision, dribbling, and fearless attacking runs tormented Inter’s defense all night.
- Denzel Dumfries: A constant menace on the flank, his two goals exemplified his attacking instincts and athleticism.
- Ferran Torres: His positioning and composure in front of goal were crucial in Barcelona’s comeback.
What the Managers Said
Hansi Flick (Barcelona):
“We showed incredible resilience. To come back from 0-2 down speaks volumes about our character. Lamine was phenomenal — he played with the maturity of a seasoned veteran.”
Simone Inzaghi (Inter):
“It was an intense battle. We started well but gave Barcelona too much space later on. Yamal is a once-in-a-generation talent; we’ll have to be much sharper in Milan.”
What’s Next?
With the aggregate poised at 3-3, all roads lead to the San Siro on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, where both teams will battle for a place in the Champions League final.
Why This Tie Is Already a Classic
- Historic individual moments (Yamal’s record-breaking goal)
- Tactical masterclass: Inter’s counters vs Barcelona’s possession-heavy response
- Unrelenting drama: Both teams refused to yield for 90 action-packed minutes
Final Thoughts
This is exactly what Champions League football is all about — elite clubs clashing with high stakes, elite quality, and unforgettable moments. As fans, we can only expect the second leg in Milan to be another night for the ages.
