Barcelona staged an impressive comeback from a two-goal deficit to secure a riveting 3-3 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League (UCL) semi-final against Inter Milan.
Having gone four matches without a win in competitive fixtures (with one draw and three losses), Inter couldn’t have asked for a better start in Catalonia.
Simone Inzaghi’s men came out with great intensity, and their early drive bore fruit just 30 seconds in when Denzel Dumfries’ cross was deftly flicked by Marcus Thuram, evading Wojciech Szczesny and settling into the bottom corner.
Left reeling by the quick goal, Barcelona sought to respond immediately, with Ferran Torres misfiring with two attempts from inside the box.
Those misses proved pivotal, as Inter extended their lead in the 21st minute with a spectacular acrobatic goal from Dumfries after a clever flick from Francesco Acerbi.
Unwilling to back down, the hosts struck back shortly after when Lamine Yamal danced past several Inter defenders, curling a magnificent shot into the far corner off the inside of the post.
The young prodigy nearly scored again just three minutes later, his fierce angled shot being tipped onto the crossbar by Yann Sommer.
As half-time approached, Barcelona remained a constant threat, and after Dani Olmo’s low drive was parried by Sommer, Hansi Flick’s side levelled the match by way of a cushioned header from Raphinha to Torres, who calmly slotted home from close range following a lovely team move.
Inter started the second half without their injured star, Lautaro Martinez, but spurned a golden chance to regain the lead when Federico Dimarco shot over from 12 yards.
Unfazed, the visitors looked the more threatening side, and their set-piece strengths paid off in the 63rd minute, with Dumfries heading in from Hakan Calhanoglu’s corner.
Incredibly, Barcelona equalised just two minutes later when Raphinha unleashed a spectacular long-range shot, striking the crossbar and deflecting off the unfortunate Sommer, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
Both sides pressed forward in search of a late winner, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan having a well-placed finish ruled out for offside, while Yamal nearly scored again, only for his scuffed attempt to hit the woodwork.
Despite several late opportunities, neither team could find a decisive goal, and both settled for a draw as they head into next week’s pivotal return leg at San Siro.
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