Can Milan and Barcelona Settle for a 3-3 Tie in the Champions League Semi-Final?

Synopsis
In a breathtaking Champions League semi-final, Barcelona showcased their resilience by coming back from behind to secure a thrilling 3-3 draw against Inter Milan. Key performances from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres fueled this high-stakes encounter, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the decisive second leg in Milan.
Key Takeaways
- Barcelona demonstrated resilience by coming back from two goals down.
- Marcus Thuram scored the fastest goal in Champions League semi-final history.
- Lamine Yamal's performance was a highlight, marking his 100th appearance.
- The match featured multiple lead changes, showcasing the high stakes of the tournament.
- Both teams are set for an exciting second leg in Milan.
Barcelona, May 1 (NationPress) Barcelona FC staged a remarkable comeback from being behind 0-2 and 2-3 to secure a thrilling 3-3 draw in a Champions League semi-final at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, setting the stage for an exciting return leg in Milan next Tuesday.
Marcus Thuram netted the fastest goal in a Champions League semi-final just 30 seconds in, flicking Denzel Dumfries' cross past Wojciech Szczęsny.
Barcelona responded quickly, with Ferran Torres narrowly missing twice, but Inter Milan extended their lead in the 21st minute. A curling corner from Federico Dimarco was met by the leaping Francesco Acerbi, and Dumfries converted with an impressive scissor-kick.
Despite Inter's strong defense, Barcelona leveled by halftime due to brilliant offensive play. In his 100th appearance, Lamine Yamal ignited the comeback with an exquisite solo goal, darting into the box and curling a shot into the far corner.
Yamal continued to dazzle, and Yann Sommer denied him a second as he maneuvered past Dimarco. A low drive from Dani Olmo was also repelled, but by the 38th minute, Ferran Torres finished a sweeping team move, scoring from a Raphinha header off Pedri's precise cross.
The second half began with a more measured pace, but the intensity increased when Dumfries scored from a corner in the 64th minute, reclaiming the lead for Inter.
Barcelona quickly retaliated from their own corner, with Raphinha's long-range strike hitting the crossbar before bouncing in off Sommer.
Inter thought they had regained the lead in the 75th minute with a goal from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but an offside call kept the match level heading into the return leg.
“We didn’t start well, but we got right back into the match. The second half was spectacular. We need to win the next leg. This is the 'final before the final!'” stated Barcelona coach Hansi Flick.
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi remarked, “We witnessed a fantastic match and knew that semi-finals are tough. Our substitutes made a significant impact tonight, and our fans recognize our effort during these challenging times. We’re looking forward to Tuesday's 'final.'”