Barcelona and Inter Milan played out a pulsating 3-3 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout tie at the Estadi de Montjuic, leaving the contest finely poised for the return leg at San Siro next week.
Inter Milan stunned the home crowd with an early lead, as Marcus Thuram capitalised on a swift transitional attack to score within the first minute. The Italian side doubled their advantage on 21 minutes when Denzel Dumfries headed in from a well-executed set piece. Barcelona, however, responded with flair. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, 17, ignited the Estadi de Montjuic with a breathtaking goal on 24 minutes, weaving through defenders before rifling a shot past Inter’s Yann Sommer. The hosts levelled the score on 38 minutes through Ferran Torres, who latched onto a precise through-ball to slot home.
Despite Barcelona’s dominance in possession and chance creation, Inter regained the lead on 63 minutes, with Dumfries nodding in his second from another set piece. The lead was short-lived, as Raphinha equalised two minutes later with a ferocious strike that cannoned off the crossbar, struck Sommer’s back, and crossed the line in bizarre fashion.
Barcelona’s attacking intent was relentless, but Inter’s resolute defending and several shots striking the woodwork ensured the score remained level. Both teams suffered setbacks, with Barcelona’s Jules Kounde and Inter’s Lautaro Martinez forced off due to injuries. The hosts’ control of the game was evident, yet Inter’s clinical set-piece execution and defensive organisation kept them in the tie.
Speaking after the match, Yamal exuded confidence: “We’re now only thinking about the return leg, and we are going to win it.” Barcelona’s youthful exuberance, led by Yamal’s brilliance, will face a stern test in Milan against Inter’s disciplined outfit.
With both sides showcasing attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities, the second leg promises another enthralling encounter. For now, the tie hangs in the balance, with everything to play for at San Siro.