It's rare for a match with so much at stake to deliver a spectacle of the quality displayed by FC Barcelona and Inter Milan in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. The 3-3 scoreline reflects the nature of the encounter.
A thrilling back-and-forth between two rivals with radically opposing styles who, through teamwork and individual talent, found ways to unsettle their opponent.
On one hand, Inter sought to dominate the aerial game and rely on a solid defense, often dropping as many as five players deep into their own area.
The Culés, fielding the same XI as in the Copa del Rey final, displayed their usual intricate passing game, applying intense high pressure and creating danger down the flanks through Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
In the end, the game plan of both coaches bore fruit in attack but failed in defense. Especially in the case of an Inter side that, before visiting Barcelona, had only conceded 5 goals in 12 matches.
On Wednesday, they conceded 3 at the Lluís Companys, but also secured a very valuable draw thanks to the defensive fragility of a Barça team that was once again exposed on counter-attacks and set pieces.
⚽Yamal's Wonder Goal: Barcelona's Dazzling Revival
Simone Inzaghi's plan yielded results from before the first minute was up. A cross from the right, following a short clearance by Jules Koundé, ended in a stunning backheel goal by Marcus Thuram.
The piece of skill allowed the Frenchman to capitalize on Iñigo Martínez's slip to open the scoring and unleash a whirlwind of emotions that wouldn't stop until the 90+3 minute, when Clément Turpin blew the final whistle.
Despite the early blow, Barça took control of the match, pouring into the opponent's half with suffocating pressure. Inter opted for long balls in behind the full-backs to try and create danger, while the Culés were everywhere, with Lamine Yamal unleashed on the right.
Yann Sommer gradually became a key figure with his saves. But, in the 21st minute, Inter hurt the Azulgrana defense again thanks to a corner where Acerbi won the header and Dumfries, with an acrobatic volley, blasted it past Szczesny.
Just like in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atlético de Madrid (4-4), Barcelona found themselves two goals down at home. However, the team stuck firmly to their initial plan, increasing the pressure in the opposition half.
The key for the Culés, once again, was to pull one back quickly. Three minutes after the 0-2, Lamine scored a stunning goal with one of his trademark left-footed shots from the wing.
The number '19' tormented Dimarco and Mkhitaryan, forcing the Italians to double up on him on the flank. Even so, the player from Mataró was unstoppable and came close to scoring another wonder goal in the 26th minute, with a shot that Sommer tipped onto the crossbar.
Inzaghi's men couldn't string together more than three consecutive passes and, before halftime, in the 38th minute, the 2-2 came, scored by Ferran Torres after a brilliant cross from Pedri that Raphinha headed down for 'The Shark' to fire past Sommer.
Barça smelled blood and pushed for the comeback, but Jules Koundé got injured in the 40th minute, and Inter took the opportunity to slow the pace of the game.
🥅Two Goals in Two Minutes Seal a Bittersweet Draw for Barça
The 'Nerazzurri' also suffered a key loss at halftime, following the injury to Lautaro Martínez. Despite the draw and the departure of their captain, the Italians didn't come out just to sit back deep in their own half again, aware of the attacking power of the Azulgrana.
Sitting deep against a team with such high possession and so many scoring options is suicidal, and Inzaghi instructed his players to drop back, a bit closer to the midfield, but with the clear intention of launching quick counter-attacks down the wings.
Dimarco came close to making it 2-3 in the 47th minute, while Barça, now with Ronald Araujo and Eric García on the pitch, took a few minutes to readjust.
Inter also made several adjustments and, in the 64th minute, Dumfries once again dominated in the air with an imperious header against lax marking from Dani Olmo.
Szczesny didn't dare to come out either, and the Culés, with 25 minutes left to play, were behind once again. Furthermore, Inter scored two goals from the only two corner kicks they had in the match.
However, the joy on the Italian bench was short-lived. Immediately after Dumfries' second goal, a low corner taken by Pedri found its way to Raphinha's feet, in a rehearsed move.
The Brazilian struck it first-time with his left foot magnificently, scoring a wonder goal that, unfortunately, UEFA has registered as an own goal because the ball hit the crossbar first and then Sommer's back.
📌A Memorable Draw with Everything to Be Decided in Milan
| Metric | FC Barcelona | Inter Milan |
|---|---|---|
| Total Shots | 19 | 7 |
| Shots on Target | 9 | 3 |
| Possession | 72 % | 28 % |
| Fouls | 10 | 11 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 1 |
| Corners | 7 | 2 |
| Offsides | 0 | 5 |
In the 66th minute, everything was level again, and the last 20 minutes were an emotional rollercoaster. A marginal offside call denied Mkhitaryan another goal, while Sommer reappeared with two huge saves from Raphinha before the end.
Lamine also came close to scoring another spectacular goal, flicking an improbable ball that Sommer could only watch onto the crossbar.
For an instant, the Montjuïc crowd, delirious, fell silent watching the ball arc directly towards the top corner, with the entire Inter defense motionless. In the end, the draw is bittersweet for Barcelona, having failed to secure an advantage at home.
Nevertheless, the overall assessment of the match is positive for both teams, for finding answers to unexpected situations and providing a spectacle that everyone applauds.
The second leg in Milan will likely be equally or even more intense and dramatic, although perhaps with fewer goals. The tie, in fact, bears much resemblance to the one against Atlético in the Cup.
Hopefully, the Culés, as they did earlier this month at the Metropolitano (0-1), can secure a victory that allows them to travel to Munich in search of their fifth Champions League title.
Inter will face Barça, who will play their season against them, already out of contention in the Italian Cup and having lost the Serie A lead to Napoli.
The Catalans and Italians will play on Saturday against Valladolid and Hellas Verona, respectively, with a majority of substitutes. The return match is on Tuesday the 6th at 9:00 PM, so rest will be minimal.
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