In a captivating first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal, Barcelona and Inter Milan played to a 3-3 draw at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona on April 30, 2025. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience.​

Early Dominance by Inter Milan

The game began at a frenetic pace, and it was Inter Milan who struck first. Marcus Thuram opened the scoring just 30 seconds into the match, marking the fastest goal ever scored in a Champions League semifinal. His quick strike stunned the home crowd and set the tone for an intense encounter. Denzel Dumfries doubled Inter’s lead in the 21st minute with a spectacular overhead kick, leaving Barcelona with a mountain to climb.​Reuters+1The Guardian+1

Barcelona’s Resilient Response

Despite the early setbacks, Barcelona responded with determination. The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal scored a brilliant solo goal, becoming the youngest player to score in a Champions League semifinal. His individual effort breathed life into Barcelona’s attack. Ferran Torres leveled the score at 2-2 in the 41st minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Inter.​

However, Inter regained the lead in the 56th minute when Dumfries scored his second goal of the match, putting the visitors back in front. Barcelona’s response was swift, and in the 68th minute, Raphinha’s shot deflected off the crossbar and goalkeeper Yann Sommer into the net, bringing the score to 3-3.​

Key Performances

Denzel Dumfries was instrumental for Inter Milan, contributing to all three of their goals and earning UEFA’s Man of the Match honors. His dynamic play on the right flank caused constant problems for Barcelona’s defense. For Barcelona, Lamine Yamal’s performance was a highlight. His composure and skill at such a young age were evident as he led the comeback with his stunning goal.​The GuardianReuters

Looking Ahead

The 3-3 draw leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg in Milan. Inter Milan will be without captain Lautaro Martínez due to injury, which could impact their attacking options. Barcelona will aim to capitalize on their home advantage and the momentum gained from their comeback. Both teams have demonstrated their attacking prowess, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the semifinal.​Reuters

This match exemplified the high stakes and intense competition characteristic of the Champions League semifinals, with both clubs showcasing their elite capabilities on the European stage.​The Guardian