Champions League: Barcelona and Inter share spoils at Olympic Stadium

Barcelona and Inter Milan played an entertaining 3-3 draw in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday night at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, setting up a blockbuster return clash next week in Italy.

Inter stormed into a two-goal lead through stunning strikes from Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries, but 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal sparked a Barcelona comeback with a sublime solo effort.

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Ferran Torres then equalised before Dumfries struck again to restore Inter’s lead. However, a Yann Sommer own goal left the tie finely poised at the halfway stage.

“Letting in that many goals is unacceptable, but Inter deserve credit; they played very well,” said Raphinha, whose powerful shot forced the equalising own goal. “The important thing is we leave with a result where everything is still possible.”

Despite entering the match on the back of three consecutive domestic defeats and watching their treble hopes collapse, Inter responded with resilience and flair.

“After three defeats, we showed the real Inter tonight; we played with heart, and I’m proud,” said Dumfries. “We wanted the win, but it’s a good performance, and everything’s still to play for.”

All eyes now turn to the return leg in Milan, where a place in the Champions League final awaits.

Barcelona are trying to reach their first final since 2015, when they won the fifth Champions League title. In the first season under Hansi Flick, the Catalans are also trying to repeat the treble trophies they won a decade ago.

Simone Inzaghi’s Inter are aiming for their second final in three years back, after losing to Manchester City in the final in 2023.

The last time Inter lifted the European Cup, they beat Barcelona at the same stage in 2010.

The winner will play either Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) or Arsenal in the final in Munich on May 31. PSG were 1-0 winners in London on Tuesday in their first leg.

Anthony Nlebem

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.