Barcelona and Inter Milan played out an unforgettable 3-3 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Nou Camp, delivering a thrilling encounter full of goals, intensity, and standout moments. The match began with a jolt as Marcus Thuram netted after just 30 seconds, setting a new record for the fastest goal in a semi-final at this stage of the competition. That early strike stunned the home supporters and gave the Italian side the perfect platform to build on.
Inter doubled their advantage in the 21st minute through Denzel Dumfries, who connected with an overhead effort to leave the Spanish giants reeling. The visitors, well known for their defensive organization, appeared to be in complete control against a team known for attacking strength and a high defensive line.
However, Barcelona were quick to respond. Lamine Yamal, featuring in his 100th club match, produced a brilliant solo goal just three minutes later. Skipping past Henrikh Mkhitaryan and finishing off the post, the teenager pulled his side back into the game. The hosts kept pushing and drew level before halftime, when Ferran Torres reacted quickest to a headed pass from Raphinha, who had connected with Pedri’s long ball.
Former players and pundits praised the action on display, describing the contest as captivating. Stephen Warnock compared the clash to a boxing contest between two distinct tactical approaches, while Ally McCoist called the night “special” for everyone watching.
Inter show composure as Barca hit back late
After the break, Inter regained the lead from a set-piece, once again exposing weaknesses in Barcelona’s defending. Dumfries was the man on target again, heading in from Hakan Calhanoglu’s corner. Despite lacking pace and flair in open play, Inter’s experience and discipline allowed them to exploit moments where the Catalans lost focus.
Barcelona’s approach remained consistent with their season-long strategy of attacking football, but their vulnerability at the back persisted. Raphinha later restored parity with a powerful strike from distance that ricocheted off the bar and the goalkeeper before crossing the line, ensuring the scores were level once more. The equalizer came less than two minutes after Inter’s third.
The game nearly saw a winner when Mkhitaryan found the net, only for VAR to rule the goal out due to a marginal offside. Despite that disappointment, Inter left Spain with a result that gives them hope ahead of the return leg at San Siro. The draw marked the highest-scoring tie at this stage since Dynamo Kyiv and Bayern Munich’s 3-3 result in 1999.
Raphinha, reflecting on the result, expressed frustration over the goals conceded, emphasizing the expectation to win at home. Inter’s Dumfries, who scored twice, highlighted the importance of the performance after a difficult spell in domestic competitions. Coach Hansi Flick praised his team’s display, acknowledging the need to address defensive lapses but commending the overall performance and style.
The tie remains wide open, with both sides preparing for a decisive second leg in Milan.
