In a breathtaking display of resilience and attacking flair, Inter Milan delivered a statement performance by securing a thrilling 3-3 draw against Barcelona in the pulsating first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash at the iconic Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Coming into the tie on the back of a three-game losing streak and reeling from the disappointment of crashing out of their domestic treble chase, Simone Inzaghi’s side knew they had a point to prove—and they did so in emphatic fashion.
The match began with a high tempo as Denzel Dumfries, who was making his return to the starting eleven after a lengthy injury layoff, instantly made his presence felt. The Dutch wing-back provided the assist for Marcus Thuram to flick home a cheeky backheel goal, sending shockwaves through the Barcelona defense.
Moments later, Dumfries stunned the Catalan fans further when he latched onto a loose ball in the box and executed a spectacular scissors-kick to give Inter a 2-0 lead, silencing the home crowd and energizing the traveling Nerazzurri supporters.
But Barcelona, buoyed by their youthful exuberance and attacking depth, responded with urgency. Teen sensation Lamine Yamal dazzled on the flanks, and Ferran Torres delivered a clinical finish to claw the home side back into the game before halftime, leveling the score at 2-2.
Inter, however, were not content to sit back. Early in the second half, Dumfries rose highest to meet a pinpoint Hakan Calhanoglu corner, nodding home a powerful header to restore Inter’s advantage and complete his stunning brace.
Barcelona continued to press, and their efforts paid off when Raphinha unleashed a fierce strike that ricocheted off Inter keeper Yann Sommer for an unfortunate own goal, once again drawing the game level.
Despite intense pressure in the closing stages, Inter showed maturity and composure to hold on for a crucial away draw. The result leaves the tie delicately balanced heading into the second leg at the San Siro, where the Italian giants will hope to capitalize on their away goals and home advantage to book a ticket to what would be their second Champions League final appearance in just three seasons.
With standout performances from Dumfries, Thuram, and Calhanoglu, Inter will carry both confidence and momentum into next week’s decisive encounter in Milan.