A thrilling contest as Barcelona came back twice to snatch a 3-3 draw against Inter Milan in the first-leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal.
The game opened from the first minute as Inter stunned the hosts after just 30 seconds. Marcus Thuram turned in Denzel Dumfries’ low cross with an audacious backheel flick to open the lead.
Simone Inzaghi’s side then doubled the lead with a stunning overhead kick 20 minutes later, courtesy of Dumfries.
Although the game looked like a huge task for Barcelona, Lamine Yamal turned on the magic to give the Catalans hope.
The young Spaniard struck a wonderful 24th minute curler to make it 2-1. Drifting past several defenders, Yamal unleashed a left-footed finish, which struck the post before landing in the net.
Yamal once again showed brilliance as dazzled past Bastoni and DiMarco before hitting the woodwork.
With the dance of the game changing toward Barca’s beat, the Catalans capped off an enthralling first-half with an equaliser. Ferran Torres stabbed home from close range in the 38th minute after Raphinha headed down Pedri’s cross.
However, Inter returned into the second interval with a changed momentum as they took the lead again. Impressive Dumfries rose highest to meet Hakan Calhanoglu’s corner for his second of the night in the 63rd minute to restore Inter’s lead.
But Barca again responded in style just two minutes later with a stunning 25-yard strike from Raphinha. The Brazilian sent a thundering shot from Pedri’s corner-kick, which clattered the bar, bounced down and into the net, via Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer’s back.
The Italian almost got the winner, as Henrikh Mkhitaryan latched onto Dumfries low cross. However, following a VAR check, the Armenian was considered to be offside with a slight of his toe.
Meanwhile, Sommer ensured the game remained 3-3 with a brilliant save to deny another Raphinha’s powerful shot.
The tie will be decided in the second leg, as Inter hosts Hansi Flick’s side at San Siro next Tuesday .
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