Barcelona and Inter Share Six-Goal Thriller as Yamal Dazzles on Big Stage
Barcelona twice clawed their way back from behind to secure a dramatic 3-3 draw against Inter Milan in a pulsating Champions League semi-final first leg — leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg in Milan.
Inter stunned the crowd at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium with a lightning-fast opener, as Marcus Thuram flicked in Denzel Dumfries’ low cross just 30 seconds after kickoff — the fastest semi-final goal in Champions League history. The visitors doubled their lead 20 minutes later, with Dumfries producing a spectacular overhead kick to silence the home support.
But Barcelona found a spark in the form of Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old phenom who has become central to the Catalans’ attacking identity. The winger responded in the 24th minute with a dazzling solo effort — gliding past defenders before curling a pinpoint finish off the post and in.
Yamal, celebrating his 100th club appearance, was electric throughout. He rattled the woodwork twice, threaded dangerous balls across the box, and continued to draw comparisons to past greats, though he’s keen to forge his own path.
Barcelona’s pressure paid off again before halftime when Ferran Torres brought the game level in the 38th minute, poking home after Raphinha headed Pedri’s diagonal ball into his path.
Inter, however, weren’t done. Dumfries struck again in the 63rd minute, this time with a powerful header from a Hakan Çalhanoğlu corner. But just moments later, Barça equalised in spectacular fashion — a thunderous long-range shot from Raphinha crashed off the bar, bounced off goalkeeper Yann Sommer, and spun into the net.
The second half continued to offer end-to-end action. Henrikh Mkhitaryan thought he had grabbed a fourth for Inter, but a marginal offside decision — confirmed by semi-automated VAR — ruled it out.
Barcelona showed resilience and attacking flair, even without injured talisman Robert Lewandowski. Dani Olmo and Torres had opportunities, and Yamal remained a constant threat on the right. Despite their efforts, the defensive vulnerabilities were apparent — something Inter will look to exploit in the second leg.
Fifteen years after their iconic 2010 showdown, Barça and Inter have reignited their rivalry with another memorable clash — a blend of relentless attack and tactical grit. With everything still to play for, all eyes now turn to San Siro, where the decisive second leg awaits.
