Barcelona Rallies From Two Down to Draw Inter \ TezzBuzz \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Barcelona stormed back from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Inter Milan in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal. Goals from Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries gave Inter a shocking early lead, but Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres pulled Barcelona level by halftime. The decisive second leg is set for next week in Milan.
In a Champions League semifinal first leg packed with pace, precision, and pressure, Barcelona overturned a shocking two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Inter Milan at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium on Wednesday night. A high-intensity opening 45 minutes featured clinical finishing by Interan explosive response by Barcelona, and individual brilliance from emerging stars.
The match, widely anticipated as one of the most tactical and technical showdowns of the tournament, did not disappoint, with all four goals coming in a breathless first half.
Marcus Thuramwho had missed Inter’s previous three matches with injury, returned to the lineup amid uncertainty — and made an immediate impact. With less than a minute on the clock, the French forward cleverly redirected a low cross from Denzel Dumfries using the back of his heel, slotting the ball past Barcelona keeper Marc-André ter Stegen to silence the home crowd.
It was a statement of intent, and Inter weren’t done.
In the 21st minute, Dumfries added his own name to the scoresheet. After a goalmouth scramble, the Dutch international executed a spectacular bicycle kick from close range, doubling Inter’s advantage and putting Barcelona’s Champions League campaign in sudden jeopardy.
With the scoreline and momentum favoring Inter, 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal sparked life into the Catalans just three minutes later. In the 24th minute, Yamal danced past two defenders on the right wing and fired a low, curling effort off the far post and into the net, halving the deficit and reigniting belief in the Barcelona faithful.
Yamal nearly struck again moments later, gliding along the end line and unleashing a near-impossible angle shot that clipped the crossbar — a near miss that had fans on their feet.
The equalizer came in the 38th minute, courtesy of a brilliantly orchestrated play. Raphinhapatrolling the left side, delivered a precise header across the boxand Ferran Torres made no mistake, blasting the ball into the roof of the net to make it 2-2.
Barcelona’s rapid turnaround in just 14 minutes highlighted their resilience and attacking depth, while Inter’s early dominance gave way to a frantic effort to regroup before halftime.
Despite the thrilling comeback, Barcelona suffered a significant setback just before the break when Jules Koundé was forced off with what appeared to be a muscle injury. The French defender, a key figure in Barcelona’s back line, was replaced by Eric Garcíacasting doubt over his availability for the crucial return leg in Milan.
With the score tied 2-2, the second leg in Milan next week will be decisive. The away-goals rule no longer applies in UEFA competitions, so a win for either side will send them to the Champions League Final in Munich on May 31.
Awaiting the winner will be either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal. PSG took a 1-0 lead in their own semifinal on Tuesday, winning at the Emirates Stadium thanks to a clinical second-half goal. Their second leg will also be played next week in Paris.
This match showcased two competing football identities: Inter Milan’s physicality, structured defending, and rapid transitionsand Barcelona’s youthful energy, positional play, and emphasis on ball control.
Thuram and Dumfries gave Inter a blistering edge on the counterattackwhile Yamal and Raphinha’s wing play helped unlock the Serie A side’s backline. Ferran Torres, often criticized for inconsistency, made a key contribution with his timely equalizer.
Both teams will now need to balance defensive discipline with attacking risk in the second leg, with Inter hoping to capitalize on home advantage and Barcelona leaning on its growing momentum — and its bright young stars.
The first leg of the Barcelona vs. Inter Milan Champions League semifinal delivered on every front: early drama, world-class goals, tactical tension, and a spectacular comeback. With the tie finely poised heading into the second leg, fans can expect more fireworks in Milanwhere a trip to the final awaits.
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