FC Barcelona and Inter Milan played to an exciting 3-3 draw in the first leg of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League semifinals. The match, held at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, was full of goals, emotions, and high-tension moments.
It took Inter just 34 seconds to open the scoring through Thuram.
Cold shower. In the 21st minute, Dumfries extended the lead to 0-2.
Lamine, Star Protagonist
The dream seemed to be falling apart, but then the magic of Lamine Yamal appeared to narrow the gap with a masterful goal in the 24th minute. Then came Ferran Torres's goal, completing a team play by the forward line. 2-2 at halftime.
It was a first half of clear dominance by Barça, but Inter left a sense of danger in their few counterattacks.
Lamine Yamal drove the Italian defense crazy, and the threat loomed over Sommer's goal. In the second half, Inter, well-positioned on the field, closed the entry routes to Barça, who struggled to find gaps to break their lines.
The 2-3 came, also from Dumfries. Barça woke up and equalized the score again through Raphinha. He was fortunate that the post deflected his shot, and the rebound went to goalkeeper Sommer, who finally put the ball into his own net.
Barça tried desperately, but the ball just wouldn't go in. It was a thrilling match, played with power on both sides. Inter defended well and attacked better on the few occasions they could.
Barça excessively focused their play on Lamine Yamal, to the point of establishing a Lamine-dependence that could be dangerous.
The Tie Remains Open for the Return Leg
Flick reshaped his lines after Koundé's injury. He brought on Araújo to play with five center-backs (Eric García, Christensen, Araújo, Cubarsí, and Íñigo Martínez). He also brought on Gavi and Fermín.
But the score wouldn't change. The tie remains completely open for the return match in Milan. Both teams showed their offensive power but also revealed defensive weaknesses that they must correct if they want to reach the final.
Barça will look to improve their defensive performance and maintain their offensive efficiency in the return match. Meanwhile, Inter will try to take advantage of their home condition and their ability to score goals at key moments.
FC Barcelona and Inter Milan drew 3-3 in the first leg of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League semifinals, held at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. This result leaves the tie completely open for the return match in Milan.