Inter Milan and Barcelona served up an instant classic in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final, drawing 3-3 in a pulsating affair at Montjuïc that featured moments of individual brilliance, defensive lapses, and a teenager seemingly touched by genius.
With their treble hopes hanging by a thread after three straight defeats, Inter needed a spark and got one just 30 seconds in. Marcus Thuram, rushed back from injury, justified his inclusion with a cheeky back-heeled finish that beat a stunned Wojciech Szczesny. It was the fastest goal ever scored in a Champions League semi-final, and it stunned the hosts.
Barcelona, however, weren’t about to fold. Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old prodigy playing in his 100th match for the club, danced through Inter’s midfield and curled a majestic shot in off the post to halve the deficit. Minutes later, he nearly scored again, only to be denied by the fingertips of Sommer and the frame of the crossbar.
Ferran Torres brought Barcelona level before the break, converting Raphinha’s clever knockdown. But the second half proved just as dramatic. With Lautaro Martinez sidelined by injury, Inter still found a way to regain the lead once again through Dumfries, whose powerful header from Calhanoglu’s corner was his second of the evening.
The lead lasted all of two minutes. A stinging strike from Raphinha clattered off the bar, rebounding off Sommer and into the net for an unfortunate own goal. The final stages of the match saw both sides push for a winner Yamal hitting the bar again and Mkhitaryan having a goal ruled out for offside but the deadlock held.
This match was a showcase of resilience, audacity, and youthful brilliance. Inter, written off by many after their recent slump, proved they still have the fight and flair to compete on the biggest stage. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s youthful core led by Yamal demonstrated a fearlessness reminiscent of the club’s golden years.
With the tie finely poised ahead of next week’s return leg at San Siro, all eyes will be on who can produce more magic. If the first leg was any indication, we’re in for another unforgettable night.
Inter weren’t done. Denzel Dumfries, making his first start in a month, doubled their lead with an acrobatic overhead kick, capitalizing on a flick-on from Francesco Acerbi. The Dutch wing-back was unstoppable on the night, eventually tallying two goals and an assist in a performance that could define his season.
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