Agency, May 1: Barcelona and Italian giants Inter Milan played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night.
The high-octane clash took place at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, where both sides delivered a dramatic encounter filled with goals, comebacks, and standout performances.
Inter made a blistering start as Marcus Thuram fired the visitors ahead inside the opening minute – the fastest goal ever scored in a Champions League semi-final. Denzel Dumfries doubled Inter’s lead in the 21st minute, seemingly putting the Italians in firm control.
But Barcelona responded swiftly. Just three minutes later, Lamine Yamal pulled one back with a superb solo effort, before Ferran Torres leveled the match in the 38th minute, finishing off a fine team move.
In the second half, Dumfries struck again in the 64th minute to restore Inter’s lead with his second goal of the night. However, Barcelona were back on level terms just a minute later when Raphinha’s powerful shot ricocheted off the post and deflected in off goalkeeper Yann Sommer for an unfortunate own goal.
Despite chances for both sides in the closing stages, neither team could find a winner, leaving the tie finely poised heading into the second leg.
The decisive return leg will be played on May 6, with everything still to play for.
