By rikififi90 
The Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys hosted a football spectacle on Wednesday evening, April 30, 2025, with a 3-3 draw between Barcelona and Internazionale in the Champions League 2024/2025 semifinal. The match, still ongoing at 22 minutes into the second half, has been packed with breathtaking moments, including stunning goals from Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Denzel Dumfries. The clash, marked by constant lead changes and brilliant individual plays, keeps the tension high for the return leg in Milan on May 6. Young Yamal, in his 100th professional game, and Brazilian Raphinha were the standout performers for the Catalan side, while Inter, despite losing Lautaro Martínez in the second half, showed strength with Dumfries’ efficiency.
The match started with rare intensity. With just 35 seconds gone, Marcus Thuram opened the scoring for Inter, catching Barcelona’s defense off guard. The Italian side, led by coach Simone Inzaghi, capitalized on defensive errors to double their lead with a spectacular volley from Dumfries at the 20-minute mark of the first half. However, Barcelona, under Hansi Flick’s guidance, refused to buckle. Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old prodigy celebrating his 100th professional appearance, sparked the comeback with a brilliant goal at 23 minutes, reigniting the crowd. The equalizer came at 37 minutes through Ferrán Torres, assisted by Raphinha. In the second half, Inter regained the lead with another Dumfries goal, but Raphinha leveled the score again with a rehearsed corner routine, his shot hitting the crossbar, then Inter goalkeeper Sommer’s head, before going in.
The game, still in progress, reflects the balance between two teams vying for continental glory. Inter, the current Serie A leaders, face a Barcelona side in top form, leading La Liga and fresh off a resounding victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final. Below, we break down the key moments of the match so far, individual highlights, and what’s at stake for both teams.
- Key highlights of the match up to 22 minutes of the second half:
- Lamine Yamal’s stunning goal, with a dribble and cross-shot, in the first half.
- Denzel Dumfries’ two goals, including a spectacular volley.
- Raphinha, with a goal and assist, spearheading the Catalan fightback.
- Lautaro Martínez’s injury, forcing him off at halftime.
- A balanced game with clear chances for both sides.
A thrilling first half
The first half of Barcelona vs. Inter was a footballing masterclass, with four goals, brilliant individual plays, and moments of high tension. Inter stunned early, as Marcus Thuram exploited a mistake by defender Iñigo Martínez to score within a minute. The lightning-fast goal put pressure on Barcelona, who struggled to find their rhythm. The Catalan fans, packing the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, felt the blow, but their team soon responded.
At 20 minutes, Inter doubled their lead with a stunning goal from Denzel Dumfries. After a left-sided corner, Acerbi headed the ball into the box, and the Dutch wing-back struck a perfect volley, leaving goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny with no chance. The goal evoked memories of the 2010 Champions League semifinal, when Inter, under José Mourinho, knocked out Barcelona. Yet, Hansi Flick’s current squad showed resilience.
Lamine Yamal, marking his 100th professional game, took center stage. At 23 minutes, the 17-year-old received on the right, dribbled past Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and, between two defenders, fired a cross-shot tight to the post for a breathtaking goal that lifted the crowd. The equalizer came at 37 minutes in a team move. Pedri lofted a pass into the box, Raphinha headed it down, and Ferrán Torres, unmarked in the six-yard area, finished to level the score. The first half ended 2-2, not without drama, as Lautaro Martínez received treatment at 44 minutes and did not return for the second half.
Inter’s lead and Raphinha’s reply
The second half began with tactical adjustments on both sides. Inter, without Lautaro Martínez, brought on Mehdi Taremi up top, while Barcelona replaced Gerard Martín with Ronald Araujo to bolster the defense. Despite the changes, the game’s frenetic pace persisted. At 4 minutes, Inter threatened when Dimarco fired over the bar after a low cross from Bisseck. Barcelona countered with Pedri, who tried a left-footed shot from the edge of the box but sent it wide.
At 17 minutes, Inter retook the lead. Following a right-sided corner, Szczesny misjudged his exit, and Dumfries, once again, headed home his second goal, with the ball glancing off Dani Olmo’s head. The goal frustrated the Catalan fans, but Barcelona responded quickly. At 19 minutes, in a rehearsed corner, Lamine Yamal dummied the ball at the edge of the box, and Raphinha unleashed a powerful first-time shot. The ball struck the crossbar, hit Sommer’s head, and went in, tying the game at 3-3. The Brazilian’s stunning goal, following his first-half assist, capped a stellar performance.
- Crucial moments of the second half so far:
- 4 minutes: Dimarco shoots over after Bisseck’s low cross.
- 8 minutes: Pedri tries a shot from distance, but it goes wide.
- 17 minutes: Dumfries heads in his second after Szczesny’s error.
- 19 minutes: Raphinha equalizes with a stunning goal from a set-piece.
- 22 minutes: The game remains open, with chances for both teams.
💥 GOAL BARÇA! RAPHINHA! 3-3!#BarçaInter @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/xYOk1P574q
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 30, 2025
Lamine Yamal’s impact
Lamine Yamal, at just 17, continues to make history in European football. The young winger, celebrating his 100th professional game, was the catalyst for Barcelona’s first-half comeback. His flair on the right, with quick dribbles and sharp vision, unsettled Inter’s defense. Beyond his 23-minute wondergoal, Yamal created chances, including a dangerous low cross at 29 minutes, nearly converted, and a tight-angle shot at 26 minutes, tipped onto the bar by Sommer.
Yamal’s rise at Barcelona is remarkable. A product of La Masia, he is a regular starter under Hansi Flick and has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi, though he downplays such talk. His performance against Inter cements his importance in big games. The Catalan fans, who gave him a standing ovation after his goal, see him as the future of the club.
Inter’s strength without Lautaro
Inter Milan, even without Lautaro Martínez in the second half, showed why they are one of Europe’s most feared teams. The Italian side, Serie A champions last season and current leaders, blend defensive solidity with attacking efficiency. Denzel Dumfries, with two goals, stole the show, but Marcus Thuram and Nicolò Barella also shone. Lautaro’s muscle injury forced Simone Inzaghi to adapt, but Taremi’s mobility kept Inter dangerous.
Inter reached the semifinal after ousting Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, with a 2-1 win in Germany and a 2-2 draw in Milan. The Italians have a history of resilience in Europe, as seen in their 2010 Champions League triumph, and aim to repeat the feat. Despite recent struggles, like a loss to Roma in Serie A, Inter’s display against Barcelona proves their elite status.
Timeline of key moments
The Barcelona-Inter clash has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Below are the standout moments up to 22 minutes of the second half:
- 35 seconds (1H): Marcus Thuram opens the scoring for Inter after Iñigo Martínez’s error.
- 20 minutes (1H): Denzel Dumfries scores a stunning volley to make it 2-0.
- 23 minutes (1H): Lamine Yamal dribbles and scores a brilliant cross-shot.
- 37 minutes (1H): Ferrán Torres equalizes, assisted by Raphinha after Pedri’s pass.
- 17 minutes (2H): Dumfries heads in his second after Szczesny’s mistake.
- 19 minutes (2H): Raphinha ties it with a spectacular set-piece goal, aided by Yamal’s dummy.
What’s at stake
The 3-3 draw leaves the tie wide open for the return leg at San Siro on May 6. Barcelona, playing at home in the first leg, know they need a positive result away to reach the final, set for May 31 at Munich’s Allianz Arena. The Catalans, chasing their sixth Champions League title, are in a rebuilding phase under Hansi Flick after years of instability. Their recent Copa del Rey win over Real Madrid boosted confidence, but Inter poses their toughest test yet.
Inter, meanwhile, dream of a fourth European crown. The Italians, absent from a Champions League final since 2010, have a seasoned knockout specialist in Simone Inzaghi. Their defensive solidity, with Alessandro Bastoni, and attacking efficiency, led by Thuram and Dumfries, are key strengths. However, Lautaro’s injury could prove costly if he misses the return leg.
Hansi Flick’s tactical challenges
Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s coach, faced early-season scrutiny but has won over fans by trusting youngsters like Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi. Against Inter, Flick opted for a 4-2-3-1, with Ferrán Torres as the focal point due to Robert Lewandowski’s injury. Araujo’s halftime introduction shored up the defense, but Szczesny’s error on Inter’s third goal exposed vulnerabilities. Flick must now address Barcelona’s weakness against set-pieces, where Inter thrived through Dumfries.
Flick’s approach relies on quick transitions and wing play, with Yamal and Raphinha pivotal. The Brazilian, in particular, is in top form, delivering goals and assists in crunch moments. Without Lewandowski, a prolific scorer, Barcelona lean on the creativity of Dani Olmo and Pedri in midfield.
Simone Inzaghi’s resilience
Simone Inzaghi, Inter’s coach, is renowned for building organized, counter-attacking teams. Against Barcelona, he deployed a solid backline with Bastoni and Acerbi, flanked by attacking wing-backs Dumfries and Dimarco. Lautaro’s injury disrupted plans, but Taremi’s introduction kept Inter threatening. The Italians excelled at set-pieces, scoring twice from corners, and largely contained Barcelona’s first-half raids.
Inzaghi, who led Inter to the 2024 Serie A title, faces the challenge of maintaining his team’s composure after such an intense game. A recent loss to Roma raised questions, but Inter’s showing against Barcelona reaffirms their European pedigree. Inzaghi now prepares for the San Siro return leg, where the home crowd will be a factor.
The Brazilian influence
Raphinha, the former Leeds United and Brazil winger, was a standout. The attacker, who joined Barcelona in 2022, has had ups and downs but is peaking. Beyond his second-half wondergoal, Raphinha assisted Ferrán Torres’ equalizer, showcasing vision and precision. His pace and decision-making were vital in keeping Barcelona in the tie.
For Inter, Brazilian wing-back Carlos Augusto came on for Dimarco in the second half, adding defensive stability. While he had little time to impact the attack, he helped contain Yamal’s runs. The presence of Brazilians on both sides underscores their importance in high-stakes European clashes.
Return leg expectations
The 3-3 draw sets up a thrilling return leg at San Siro. Barcelona, playing away, need a strong performance to overcome Inter. The Catalan fans, who filled the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, believe their team can replicate their first-half attacking flair. However, defensive lapses, especially in the air, must be fixed by Flick.
Inter, with home advantage, will rely on their passionate San Siro crowd to create a hostile atmosphere. The Nerazzurri faithful are expected to pack the stadium, making life tough for Barcelona. Lautaro’s recovery, alongside the form of Dumfries and Thuram, will be crucial. Inzaghi, a proven knockout tactician, trusts his squad to reach the final.
- Factors that could decide the final spot:
- Lamine Yamal and Raphinha’s attacking output for Barcelona.
- Inter’s ability to exploit set-pieces and counter-attacks.
- Lautaro Martínez’s availability for the return leg.
- Flick’s adjustments to shore up Barcelona’s defense.
- The San Siro crowd’s impact on the game.
Historical context
Barcelona and Inter have a storied Champions League rivalry, notably the 2010 semifinal, when José Mourinho’s Inter ousted Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. The Italians won 3-1 in Milan and held a 1-0 draw in Catalonia despite playing a man down. Recent encounters, like the 2022/2023 group stage, have favored Barcelona. Historically, Barcelona lead with five wins to Inter’s two in ten Champions League meetings, with three draws. At the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona are unbeaten against Inter in seven games, but Inter’s current form and Inzaghi’s nous make this one of their tightest battles.
The Champions League’s weight
The 2024/2025 Champions League, its 70th edition, is the first under a new 36-team league phase format. Barcelona finished second in the league phase, earning a bye to the round of 16, where they dispatched Benfica 4-1 on aggregate. In the quarters, they edged Borussia Dortmund 5-3. Inter, fourth in the league phase, beat Feyenoord 4-1 in the last 16 and Bayern 5-4 in the quarters.
The tournament, culminating at Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31, is the ultimate prize for both clubs. For Barcelona, victory would crown a season of revival after financial and sporting struggles. For Inter, it would cement their status as a resurgent force in Italian football.
Match curiosities
The Barcelona-Inter clash delivered memorable moments and intriguing facts:
- Lamine Yamal, at 17, became Barcelona’s youngest scorer in a Champions League semifinal.
- Denzel Dumfries netted his first two goals of the 2024/2025 Champions League in this game.
- Raphinha has five goals and four assists in Europe this season, leading Barcelona in direct goal involvements.
- Inter lead the 2024/2025 Champions League with five headed goals.
- The 3-3 draw is the highest-scoring semifinal game in the competition so far.
Immediate future
Beyond the Champions League, both teams face domestic challenges. Barcelona, La Liga leaders, play Valladolid on May 4 before a Clasico against Real Madrid on May 11. Hansi Flick’s side aim to maintain their lead and clinch the Spanish title. Inter, atop Serie A, face Hellas Verona on May 3, seeking to rebound from their Roma defeat.
Both clubs remain in their domestic cups. Barcelona, Copa del Rey champions, target the Spanish Super Cup, while Inter are in the Coppa Italia semifinals. The grueling schedule demands squad depth and careful management, especially for Inter if Lautaro’s injury lingers.
The power of the fans
Barcelona’s fans turned the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys into a cauldron, with over 50,000 supporters roaring from start to finish. Chants for Yamal and Raphinha rang out after their goals, highlighting the bond between players and fans. This electric atmosphere is a key asset for Barcelona in big games.
Inter expect similar backing at San Siro. The Nerazzurri’s passionate fans are set to fill the stadium, creating an intimidating environment for Barcelona. The rivalry between the fanbases, steeped in past clashes, adds extra spice to the tie.
💥 GOAL BARÇA! FERRAN TORRES! 2-2!#BarçaInter @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/q4GP7QlH9q
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 30, 2025
TAKE A BOW, DENZEL!! 😍
WHAT. A. FINISH!! 🔥🔥#ForzaInter #UCL #BarcelonaInter pic.twitter.com/X2C5vUXRrV— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) April 30, 2025
WHAT. A. GOAL !!!!!! https://t.co/JOBklxgZjS
— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) April 30, 2025
The Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys hosted a football spectacle on Wednesday evening, April 30, 2025, with a 3-3 draw between Barcelona and Internazionale in the Champions League 2024/2025 semifinal. The match, still ongoing at 22 minutes into the second half, has been packed with breathtaking moments, including stunning goals from Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Denzel Dumfries. The clash, marked by constant lead changes and brilliant individual plays, keeps the tension high for the return leg in Milan on May 6. Young Yamal, in his 100th professional game, and Brazilian Raphinha were the standout performers for the Catalan side, while Inter, despite losing Lautaro Martínez in the second half, showed strength with Dumfries’ efficiency.
The match started with rare intensity. With just 35 seconds gone, Marcus Thuram opened the scoring for Inter, catching Barcelona’s defense off guard. The Italian side, led by coach Simone Inzaghi, capitalized on defensive errors to double their lead with a spectacular volley from Dumfries at the 20-minute mark of the first half. However, Barcelona, under Hansi Flick’s guidance, refused to buckle. Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old prodigy celebrating his 100th professional appearance, sparked the comeback with a brilliant goal at 23 minutes, reigniting the crowd. The equalizer came at 37 minutes through Ferrán Torres, assisted by Raphinha. In the second half, Inter regained the lead with another Dumfries goal, but Raphinha leveled the score again with a rehearsed corner routine, his shot hitting the crossbar, then Inter goalkeeper Sommer’s head, before going in.
The game, still in progress, reflects the balance between two teams vying for continental glory. Inter, the current Serie A leaders, face a Barcelona side in top form, leading La Liga and fresh off a resounding victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final. Below, we break down the key moments of the match so far, individual highlights, and what’s at stake for both teams.
- Key highlights of the match up to 22 minutes of the second half:
- Lamine Yamal’s stunning goal, with a dribble and cross-shot, in the first half.
- Denzel Dumfries’ two goals, including a spectacular volley.
- Raphinha, with a goal and assist, spearheading the Catalan fightback.
- Lautaro Martínez’s injury, forcing him off at halftime.
- A balanced game with clear chances for both sides.
A thrilling first half
The first half of Barcelona vs. Inter was a footballing masterclass, with four goals, brilliant individual plays, and moments of high tension. Inter stunned early, as Marcus Thuram exploited a mistake by defender Iñigo Martínez to score within a minute. The lightning-fast goal put pressure on Barcelona, who struggled to find their rhythm. The Catalan fans, packing the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, felt the blow, but their team soon responded.
At 20 minutes, Inter doubled their lead with a stunning goal from Denzel Dumfries. After a left-sided corner, Acerbi headed the ball into the box, and the Dutch wing-back struck a perfect volley, leaving goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny with no chance. The goal evoked memories of the 2010 Champions League semifinal, when Inter, under José Mourinho, knocked out Barcelona. Yet, Hansi Flick’s current squad showed resilience.
Lamine Yamal, marking his 100th professional game, took center stage. At 23 minutes, the 17-year-old received on the right, dribbled past Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and, between two defenders, fired a cross-shot tight to the post for a breathtaking goal that lifted the crowd. The equalizer came at 37 minutes in a team move. Pedri lofted a pass into the box, Raphinha headed it down, and Ferrán Torres, unmarked in the six-yard area, finished to level the score. The first half ended 2-2, not without drama, as Lautaro Martínez received treatment at 44 minutes and did not return for the second half.
Inter’s lead and Raphinha’s reply
The second half began with tactical adjustments on both sides. Inter, without Lautaro Martínez, brought on Mehdi Taremi up top, while Barcelona replaced Gerard Martín with Ronald Araujo to bolster the defense. Despite the changes, the game’s frenetic pace persisted. At 4 minutes, Inter threatened when Dimarco fired over the bar after a low cross from Bisseck. Barcelona countered with Pedri, who tried a left-footed shot from the edge of the box but sent it wide.
At 17 minutes, Inter retook the lead. Following a right-sided corner, Szczesny misjudged his exit, and Dumfries, once again, headed home his second goal, with the ball glancing off Dani Olmo’s head. The goal frustrated the Catalan fans, but Barcelona responded quickly. At 19 minutes, in a rehearsed corner, Lamine Yamal dummied the ball at the edge of the box, and Raphinha unleashed a powerful first-time shot. The ball struck the crossbar, hit Sommer’s head, and went in, tying the game at 3-3. The Brazilian’s stunning goal, following his first-half assist, capped a stellar performance.
- Crucial moments of the second half so far:
- 4 minutes: Dimarco shoots over after Bisseck’s low cross.
- 8 minutes: Pedri tries a shot from distance, but it goes wide.
- 17 minutes: Dumfries heads in his second after Szczesny’s error.
- 19 minutes: Raphinha equalizes with a stunning goal from a set-piece.
- 22 minutes: The game remains open, with chances for both teams.
💥 GOAL BARÇA! RAPHINHA! 3-3!#BarçaInter @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/xYOk1P574q
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 30, 2025
Lamine Yamal’s impact
Lamine Yamal, at just 17, continues to make history in European football. The young winger, celebrating his 100th professional game, was the catalyst for Barcelona’s first-half comeback. His flair on the right, with quick dribbles and sharp vision, unsettled Inter’s defense. Beyond his 23-minute wondergoal, Yamal created chances, including a dangerous low cross at 29 minutes, nearly converted, and a tight-angle shot at 26 minutes, tipped onto the bar by Sommer.
Yamal’s rise at Barcelona is remarkable. A product of La Masia, he is a regular starter under Hansi Flick and has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi, though he downplays such talk. His performance against Inter cements his importance in big games. The Catalan fans, who gave him a standing ovation after his goal, see him as the future of the club.
Inter’s strength without Lautaro
Inter Milan, even without Lautaro Martínez in the second half, showed why they are one of Europe’s most feared teams. The Italian side, Serie A champions last season and current leaders, blend defensive solidity with attacking efficiency. Denzel Dumfries, with two goals, stole the show, but Marcus Thuram and Nicolò Barella also shone. Lautaro’s muscle injury forced Simone Inzaghi to adapt, but Taremi’s mobility kept Inter dangerous.
Inter reached the semifinal after ousting Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, with a 2-1 win in Germany and a 2-2 draw in Milan. The Italians have a history of resilience in Europe, as seen in their 2010 Champions League triumph, and aim to repeat the feat. Despite recent struggles, like a loss to Roma in Serie A, Inter’s display against Barcelona proves their elite status.
Timeline of key moments
The Barcelona-Inter clash has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Below are the standout moments up to 22 minutes of the second half:
- 35 seconds (1H): Marcus Thuram opens the scoring for Inter after Iñigo Martínez’s error.
- 20 minutes (1H): Denzel Dumfries scores a stunning volley to make it 2-0.
- 23 minutes (1H): Lamine Yamal dribbles and scores a brilliant cross-shot.
- 37 minutes (1H): Ferrán Torres equalizes, assisted by Raphinha after Pedri’s pass.
- 17 minutes (2H): Dumfries heads in his second after Szczesny’s mistake.
- 19 minutes (2H): Raphinha ties it with a spectacular set-piece goal, aided by Yamal’s dummy.
What’s at stake
The 3-3 draw leaves the tie wide open for the return leg at San Siro on May 6. Barcelona, playing at home in the first leg, know they need a positive result away to reach the final, set for May 31 at Munich’s Allianz Arena. The Catalans, chasing their sixth Champions League title, are in a rebuilding phase under Hansi Flick after years of instability. Their recent Copa del Rey win over Real Madrid boosted confidence, but Inter poses their toughest test yet.
Inter, meanwhile, dream of a fourth European crown. The Italians, absent from a Champions League final since 2010, have a seasoned knockout specialist in Simone Inzaghi. Their defensive solidity, with Alessandro Bastoni, and attacking efficiency, led by Thuram and Dumfries, are key strengths. However, Lautaro’s injury could prove costly if he misses the return leg.
Hansi Flick’s tactical challenges
Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s coach, faced early-season scrutiny but has won over fans by trusting youngsters like Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi. Against Inter, Flick opted for a 4-2-3-1, with Ferrán Torres as the focal point due to Robert Lewandowski’s injury. Araujo’s halftime introduction shored up the defense, but Szczesny’s error on Inter’s third goal exposed vulnerabilities. Flick must now address Barcelona’s weakness against set-pieces, where Inter thrived through Dumfries.
Flick’s approach relies on quick transitions and wing play, with Yamal and Raphinha pivotal. The Brazilian, in particular, is in top form, delivering goals and assists in crunch moments. Without Lewandowski, a prolific scorer, Barcelona lean on the creativity of Dani Olmo and Pedri in midfield.
Simone Inzaghi’s resilience
Simone Inzaghi, Inter’s coach, is renowned for building organized, counter-attacking teams. Against Barcelona, he deployed a solid backline with Bastoni and Acerbi, flanked by attacking wing-backs Dumfries and Dimarco. Lautaro’s injury disrupted plans, but Taremi’s introduction kept Inter threatening. The Italians excelled at set-pieces, scoring twice from corners, and largely contained Barcelona’s first-half raids.
Inzaghi, who led Inter to the 2024 Serie A title, faces the challenge of maintaining his team’s composure after such an intense game. A recent loss to Roma raised questions, but Inter’s showing against Barcelona reaffirms their European pedigree. Inzaghi now prepares for the San Siro return leg, where the home crowd will be a factor.
The Brazilian influence
Raphinha, the former Leeds United and Brazil winger, was a standout. The attacker, who joined Barcelona in 2022, has had ups and downs but is peaking. Beyond his second-half wondergoal, Raphinha assisted Ferrán Torres’ equalizer, showcasing vision and precision. His pace and decision-making were vital in keeping Barcelona in the tie.
For Inter, Brazilian wing-back Carlos Augusto came on for Dimarco in the second half, adding defensive stability. While he had little time to impact the attack, he helped contain Yamal’s runs. The presence of Brazilians on both sides underscores their importance in high-stakes European clashes.
Return leg expectations
The 3-3 draw sets up a thrilling return leg at San Siro. Barcelona, playing away, need a strong performance to overcome Inter. The Catalan fans, who filled the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, believe their team can replicate their first-half attacking flair. However, defensive lapses, especially in the air, must be fixed by Flick.
Inter, with home advantage, will rely on their passionate San Siro crowd to create a hostile atmosphere. The Nerazzurri faithful are expected to pack the stadium, making life tough for Barcelona. Lautaro’s recovery, alongside the form of Dumfries and Thuram, will be crucial. Inzaghi, a proven knockout tactician, trusts his squad to reach the final.
- Factors that could decide the final spot:
- Lamine Yamal and Raphinha’s attacking output for Barcelona.
- Inter’s ability to exploit set-pieces and counter-attacks.
- Lautaro Martínez’s availability for the return leg.
- Flick’s adjustments to shore up Barcelona’s defense.
- The San Siro crowd’s impact on the game.
Historical context
Barcelona and Inter have a storied Champions League rivalry, notably the 2010 semifinal, when José Mourinho’s Inter ousted Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. The Italians won 3-1 in Milan and held a 1-0 draw in Catalonia despite playing a man down. Recent encounters, like the 2022/2023 group stage, have favored Barcelona. Historically, Barcelona lead with five wins to Inter’s two in ten Champions League meetings, with three draws. At the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona are unbeaten against Inter in seven games, but Inter’s current form and Inzaghi’s nous make this one of their tightest battles.
The Champions League’s weight
The 2024/2025 Champions League, its 70th edition, is the first under a new 36-team league phase format. Barcelona finished second in the league phase, earning a bye to the round of 16, where they dispatched Benfica 4-1 on aggregate. In the quarters, they edged Borussia Dortmund 5-3. Inter, fourth in the league phase, beat Feyenoord 4-1 in the last 16 and Bayern 5-4 in the quarters.
The tournament, culminating at Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31, is the ultimate prize for both clubs. For Barcelona, victory would crown a season of revival after financial and sporting struggles. For Inter, it would cement their status as a resurgent force in Italian football.
Match curiosities
The Barcelona-Inter clash delivered memorable moments and intriguing facts:
- Lamine Yamal, at 17, became Barcelona’s youngest scorer in a Champions League semifinal.
- Denzel Dumfries netted his first two goals of the 2024/2025 Champions League in this game.
- Raphinha has five goals and four assists in Europe this season, leading Barcelona in direct goal involvements.
- Inter lead the 2024/2025 Champions League with five headed goals.
- The 3-3 draw is the highest-scoring semifinal game in the competition so far.
Immediate future
Beyond the Champions League, both teams face domestic challenges. Barcelona, La Liga leaders, play Valladolid on May 4 before a Clasico against Real Madrid on May 11. Hansi Flick’s side aim to maintain their lead and clinch the Spanish title. Inter, atop Serie A, face Hellas Verona on May 3, seeking to rebound from their Roma defeat.
Both clubs remain in their domestic cups. Barcelona, Copa del Rey champions, target the Spanish Super Cup, while Inter are in the Coppa Italia semifinals. The grueling schedule demands squad depth and careful management, especially for Inter if Lautaro’s injury lingers.
The power of the fans
Barcelona’s fans turned the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys into a cauldron, with over 50,000 supporters roaring from start to finish. Chants for Yamal and Raphinha rang out after their goals, highlighting the bond between players and fans. This electric atmosphere is a key asset for Barcelona in big games.
Inter expect similar backing at San Siro. The Nerazzurri’s passionate fans are set to fill the stadium, creating an intimidating environment for Barcelona. The rivalry between the fanbases, steeped in past clashes, adds extra spice to the tie.
💥 GOAL BARÇA! FERRAN TORRES! 2-2!#BarçaInter @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/q4GP7QlH9q
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 30, 2025
TAKE A BOW, DENZEL!! 😍
WHAT. A. FINISH!! 🔥🔥#ForzaInter #UCL #BarcelonaInter pic.twitter.com/X2C5vUXRrV— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) April 30, 2025
WHAT. A. GOAL !!!!!! https://t.co/JOBklxgZjS
— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) April 30, 2025
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