Barcelona fight back in six-goal Champions League thriller

 In a pulsating UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona and Inter Milan played out a thrilling 3-3 draw, setting the stage for a decisive return leg at the San Siro.

Barcelona fight back in six-goal Champions League thriller with Inter

⚽ Match Overview

Inter Milan stunned the home crowd with an early goal from Marcus Thuram, who scored within the first minute. Denzel Dumfries doubled the lead in the 21st minute with an acrobatic volley from a corner. Barcelona responded swiftly, with Lamine Yamal reducing the deficit in the 24th minute and Ferran Torres equalizing in the 38th minute. Despite Barcelona's dominance, Dumfries scored again in the 64th minute to put Inter ahead. However, a powerful strike from Raphinha in the 65th minute, which deflected off Inter's goalkeeper Yann Sommer, leveled the score once more.

Barcelona fight back in six-goal Champions League thriller with Inter

🔍 Key Moments

1'  : Marcus Thuram opens the scoring for Inter with a back-heel goal.

21': Denzel Dumfries extends Inter's lead with a volley.
24': Lamine Yamal scores for Barcelona after a solo run.

38': Ferran Torres equalizes for Barcelona with a first-time finish.
64': Dumfries scores his second goal, heading in from a corner.

65': Raphinha's shot deflects off Sommer, resulting in an own goal and leveling the match.

🧠 Tactical Analysis

Inter Milan capitalized on set-pieces and counterattacks, demonstrating clinical finishing. Barcelona, despite dominating possession, struggled defensively and missed several opportunities. Yann Sommer's performance in goal was crucial for Inter, making several key saves.

🤕 Injury Updates

Barcelona   : Jules Koundé exited in the first half due to a suspected leg muscle injury.
Inter Milan: Lautaro Martínez did not return for the second half because of a hamstring issue; Benjamin Pavard was also sidelined with an ankle injury.

🗣️ Post-Match Reactions

Raphinha expressed disappointment over conceding three goals at home but remained optimistic about the second leg in Milan, emphasizing the need to correct mistakes and secure a win to reach the final.

🔜 Looking Ahead

The second leg at the San Siro promises to be a high-stakes encounter, with both teams vying for a spot in the final in Munich against either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain. (Soccer Scores - 2024 Season - ESPN)