UEFA Champions League Semifinal: Barcelona Hold Inter Milan 3-3 in Thrilling First-Leg Draw

Barcelona, May 1 In a pulsating first-leg encounter of the UEFA Champions League 2024–25 semifinal, Barcelona and Inter Milan played out a dramatic 3-3 draw at the Olympic Stadium. Inter Milan twice took the lead, only for the hosts to bounce back each time with flair and resilience. The night also witnessed history as Lamine Yamal became the youngest goalscorer ever in a Champions League semifinal.

Lightning Start: Thuram Scores Fastest Semifinal Goal

Inter Milan took the early initiative when Marcus Thuram netted a spectacular backheel goal just 30 seconds into the match, marking the fastest goal in Champions League semifinal history. Not long after, Denzel Dumfries doubled the visitors’ lead with a powerful header from a corner, giving Inter a commanding 2-0 advantage.

Barcelona’s Comeback: Yamal and Torres Respond

Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal, playing in his 100th club match, sparked the comeback with a sensational solo effort. Skipping past Thuram and Mkhitaryan, the 16-year-old slotted the ball into the far corner, setting a new record as the youngest semifinal goalscorer in UCL history.

The comeback momentum continued in the 38th minute when Ferran Torres converted a headed pass from Raphinha, leveling the score 2-2 before halftime.

Late Drama: Own Goal Seals the Draw

Inter Milan regained the lead early in the second half as Dumfries once again made an impact, his header deflecting off Olmo into the net. However, the home side’s relentless pressure paid off when a fierce strike from Raphinha hit the crossbar and bounced off Inter keeper Yann Sommer’s head for an own goal, restoring parity at 3-3.

Yamal came agonizingly close to scoring a winner in the dying minutes, but his stunning shot rattled the crossbar once again.

Decisive Second Leg Set for Milan

The six-goal thriller now sets up a high-stakes second leg at the San Siro in Milan next Tuesday. The winner will move on to the Champions League final on May 31 in Munich, where they will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal.

Key Stats and Highlights:

• Marcus Thuram’s goal at 00:30 is the fastest in UCL semifinal history.

• Lamine Yamal becomes youngest-ever scorer in a UCL semifinal.

• Yann Sommer’s own goal salvages a draw for Barcelona.

• Second leg to be played in Milan on May 7.