Champions League: Inter Leaves Catalonia Undefeated

No, there was no winner on the pitch. However, this Barcelona-Inter match was much more than just the scoreline. The Blaugranas and Nerazzurri ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw on Wednesday in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals. On one side, Marcus Thuram (1st minute) and Denzel Dumfries (21st and 63rd minutes) led the ultra-realistic Lombards. On the other, Lamine Yamal (24th), Ferran Torres (38th), and Raphinha (65th) allowed the Blaugrana to equalize twice while providing a spectacle. It's promising for the second leg next Tuesday.

The match at Montjuic kicked off in a wild manner with Thuram scoring from a back-heeled finish just 30 seconds into the game during the very first Inter attack (1-0, 1st minute). The Frenchman returned from a brief injury spell that had cost his team dearly with three straight losses without scoring. He made a sensational comeback, marking his fourth goal in the Champions League this season.

Frustrated, Barcelona surged forward, but Ferran narrowly missed the target (12th minute). Inter endured some pressure before striking again with a stunning bicycle kick from Dumfries on the visitors' first corner (0-2, 21st minute). Initially the assist provider for Thuram, the Dutch right-back also shone after a month out.

Nevertheless, the Catalans did not fold against the ultra-realistic Nerazzurri. Led by the audacious Yamal, they pushed as much as they could. The 17-year-old, playing his 100th match in the Blaugrana shirt, quickly set things right by equalizing with a curled left-foot shot after a brilliant slalom (1-2, 24th minute). A constant threat to Federico Dimarco and others, Yamal nearly found the net again shortly after but only hit the crossbar (26th minute).

Behind an Inter defense that was tormented by the nimble teenager, Yann Sommer stepped up (34th minute). However, the Swiss goalkeeper could do nothing against Ferran's close-range strike (2-2, 38th minute). The intensity of the match also took its toll physically. Jules Koundé went off injured (42nd minute) along with the rather quiet Lautaro Martinez, who did not return after halftime.

Ronald Araujo replaced Gerard Martin at the start of the second half, forcing Barcelona to play with defenders in unusual positions. This allowed Inter to better circulate the ball in the second period and exploit the flanks. Dimarco missed the target on the left (49th minute). Dumfries, on the other hand, remained impactful, scoring with a header from a corner (2-3, 36th minute).

However, Barcelona did not falter in this match and immediately responded with a corner of their own. Served back 20 meters from goal, Raphinha unleashed a powerful shot that struck the crossbar before rebounding off Sommer's back and crossing the line (3-3, 65th minute).

Inter attempted to strike again with quick attacks (75th minute), and the unstoppable Yamal found the crossbar once more (88th minute). The Blaugrana certainly finished somewhat frustrated: they will need to win at Giuseppe Meazza to qualify for the final. And one thing is for sure: the Nerazzurri will deliver another fierce battle for them.