Champions League Thriller: Barça and Inter Dazzle in 3-3 Draw
Instant Impact, Unexpected Comeback
In a spectacular Champions League semifinal first leg, FC Barcelona and Inter Milan played out an exhilarating 3-3 draw at Camp Nou. Marcus Thuram’s clinical finish after only 30 seconds set the tone for a wild contest that saw the hosts fight back from 2-0 down to salvage a draw.
Barça’s Blast from the Past
Barcelona, led by German tactician Hansi Flick, started strong but conceded twice in quick succession, reminiscent of their disappointing 2021 loss to PSG. Thuram and Denzel Dumfries put Inter two up, but the Katalans’ resilience and attacking prowess shone through.
Flick stood fassungslos… saw the great Yamal Show*leitfaden=yamsalFC Barcelona Coach Hansi Flick
Teen sensation Lamine Yamal, in his 100th appearance, halved the deficit with a stunning solo effort. Ferrán Torres then leveled with a clinical finish. Despite Dumfries’s header putting Inter back ahead, Wojciech Szczesny’s goalkeeping error gifted Barcelona a share of the spoils.
Sirens Silent but Questions Linger
With the return leg in San Siro on May 6, neither side could claim superior form. Barça, despite their heroics, conceded three while Inter remain unbeaten in three meetings against the Blaugrana. The winner will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the final on May 31 in Munich.
Barcelona 3-3 Inter Milan
Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona: Szczesny, Koundé (García), Cubarsi (Christensen), Martínez, Martin (Araújo), de Jong, Pedri (Gavi), Olmo (López), Yamal, Torres, Raphinha. – Coach: Flick
Inter Milan: Sommer, Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dumfries (Darmian), Barella, Calhanoglu (Frattesi), Mkhitaryan, Dimarco (Augusto), Thuram (Zieliński), Martínez (Taremi). – Coach: Inzaghi
Referee: Clément Turpin (France)
Scorers: Thuram (1′), Dumfries (21′, 64′), Yamal (24′), Torres (38′), Sommer (og, 65′)
Yellow Card: Cubarsi, Calhanoglu
Attendance: 55,000 (sold out)
What’s Next?
- The second leg takes place in Milan on May 6.
- The winner will face the victor of PSG vs. Arsenal in the final on May 31 in Munich.
- Hansi Flick must now turn his attention to the upcoming Clasico against Real Madrid in La Liga.
FAQs
- Who is favorites to win the Champions League? It’s too close to call after this thrilling encounter. Both sides have proven quality and character.
- What happens if the second leg also ends in a draw? Away goals no longer determine the outcome, so extra time and penalties would decide the tie.
Round Up
In a pulsating clash, two of Europe’s titans served up a reminder of why the Champions League is the world’s most prestigious club competition. With the return leg awaits, neither side can relax just yet.