Barcelona and Inter Milan Battle in Thrilling Champions League Semi-Final

BARCELONA, Spain — In a breathtaking start to their Champions League semi-final series, FC Barcelona and Inter Milan drew 2-2 in the first leg at Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc on April 30, 2025. Inter opened the scoring with a goal just 30 seconds into the match, when Marcus Thuram finished a swift counter-attack, marking the fastest goal in Champions League semi-final history.

Barcelona was quick to respond after falling behind, with 17-year-old Lamine Yamal scoring a spectacular goal to bring the score to 1-2 three minutes later. Yamal crafted an intricate run before curling a shot into the corner of the net, showcasing his talent in what marked his 100th appearance for the club.

Inter’s Denzel Dumfries extended the lead in the 21st minute with an acrobatic overhead kick, but Barcelona’s determination shone through. Ferran Torres equalized in the 38th minute, finishing off a well-placed header from Raphinha, leveling the match before halftime.

The match was characterized by its frenetic pace, with Barcelona dominating possession in the last portion of the first half. Inter’s defense struggled against the relentless Barcelona attack, which threatened consistently. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer made several critical saves to keep Inter in the game as they battled fatigue from recent matches, including their Copa Italia exit.

As the teams prepared for the second half, Inter faced further challenges when Lautaro Martinez appeared to be limping with a hamstring issue, which could impact their strategy going forward. Barcelona, under manager Hansi Flick, aimed to capitalize on their momentum as they seek a return to Champions League glory for the first time since 2015.

The thrilling encounter sets the stage for the second leg, with both teams eager to secure a spot in the final.