Champions League Thriller: Barcelona vs Inter Ends 3-3 in Semi-Final First Leg
In a pulsating UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on April 30, FC Barcelona and Inter Milan played out a thrilling 3-3 draw, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg in Milan.
Match Summary
Inter Milan stunned the home crowd by taking the lead just 30 seconds into the match, with Marcus Thuram scoring the fastest goal in Champions League semi-final history. Denzel Dumfries doubled the visitors’ advantage in the 21st minute, capitalizing on Barcelona’s defensive lapses.UEFA.com+1Al Jazeera+1Total Football Analysis Magazine+3ESPN.com+3UEFA.com+3
Barcelona’s response was spearheaded by 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, who marked his 100th appearance for the club with a brilliant solo goal in the 24th minute, becoming the youngest scorer in a Champions League semi-final. Ferran Torres leveled the score in the 38th minute, finishing off a well-orchestrated team move.SempreInter.com+9The Guardian+9The Scottish Sun+9Al Jazeera
The second half saw Dumfries restore Inter’s lead with a powerful header in the 63rd minute. However, Barcelona equalized just two minutes later when Raphinha’s thunderous shot rebounded off the post and deflected into the net off Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer.AS USA+4The Scottish Sun+4UEFA.com+4ESPN.com
🌟 Key Performers
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): The teenager’s electrifying performance, including a goal and an assist, drew comparisons to Lionel Messi and highlighted his burgeoning talent.El País+3Cadena SER+3Cadena SER+3
- Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan): The wing-back’s brace showcased his attacking prowess and provided Inter with crucial goals at pivotal moments.
- Raphinha (Barcelona): His relentless energy and decisive equalizer ensured Barcelona remained in contention heading into the second leg.
📊 Match Statistics
- Possession: Barcelona 62% – 38% Inter MilanAS USA+1SempreInter.com+1
- Shots on Target: Barcelona 8 – 5 Inter Milan
- Corners: Barcelona 7 – 4 Inter MilanWikipedia, la enciclopedia libre+3Diario AS+3El País+3
- Fouls Committed: Barcelona 12 – 14 Inter MilanCadena SER+1Cadena SER+1
🗣️ Post-Match Reactions
Barcelona winger Raphinha expressed frustration over the defensive lapses, stating, “We can’t concede that many goals, especially at home. It’s unacceptable.” ESPN.com
Manager Hansi Flick acknowledged the team’s resilience, noting, “The second half was spectacular. We showed character to come back twice.” Total Football Analysis Magazine
Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi praised his team’s performance, saying, “We played with inspiration and took advantage of the spaces Barcelona left.” SempreInter.com
📅 Looking Ahead
The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, at the San Siro in Milan. With the aggregate score tied, both teams will be vying for a spot in the Champions League final in Munich.Cadena SER+2UEFA.com+2ESPN.com+2ESPN.com
However, Inter Milan may face a setback, as striker Lautaro Martínez is doubtful for the return leg due to injury. Diario AS+1AS USA+1
For more detailed analysis and updates, visit infolivescore.com.
