Barcelona 3-3 Inter Milan: Lamine Yamal shines amid Barcelona’s defensive disarray.

The UEFA Champions League semi-finals rarely disappoint, often serving up some of the most unforgettable moments in European football history.

Take, for instance, Chelsea’s remarkable triumph over Barcelona in 2012, where Fernando Torres scored a dramatic injury-time goal to secure a 3-2 aggregate victory. Or Liverpool’s astonishing comeback against the same opponents in 2019, when Jurgen Klopp’s side overturned a 3-0 first-leg deficit with a sensational 4-0 win at Anfield, ultimately defeating Spurs in the final.

This time, however, it was Barcelona’s turn to experience the thrill of a comeback, as they engaged in a thrilling encounter with Internazionale. The first leg of this semi-final tie ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, filled with excitement, shaky defending, and stunning strikes. The stage is now set for a tantalising return fixture at the San Siro next week.

The Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys was electric before kick-off, with Barcelona fresh off their Copa del Rey victory over Real Madrid, eager to add another trophy to their collection. The Catalan giants are enjoying an unprecedented season, sitting atop La Liga and eyeing a sixth European Cup.

However, the home crowd was left stunned when Inter took an unexpected lead with the fastest-ever goal in a Champions League semi-final. Marcus Thuram, son of former Barcelona defender Lilian, found the net just 30 seconds into the match, converting a right-wing cross with a brilliant flick from near the penalty spot.

The shock didn’t end there, as Denzel Dumfries quickly doubled Inter’s lead. The Dutchman, enjoying his best goal-scoring season, executed an acrobatic effort from a tight angle, leaving TNT Sports’ Ally McCoist in awe. Fellow pundit Rio Ferdinand, however, was critical of Barcelona’s Pedri, suggesting he should have been braver in defending against Dumfries’ strike.

As the match progressed, few could have predicted that Inter’s two-goal lead would not be the end of the scoring. Lamine Yamal, the teenage sensation, sparked Barcelona’s comeback, weaving past defenders to score a stunning goal off the post.

From that moment on, Barcelona piled on the pressure, with Yann Sommer forced into a series of impressive saves. Yamal, making his 100th club appearance, continued to shine, even hitting the crossbar, prompting laughter from Ferdinand, who exclaimed, “He’s taking the mick!”

Eventually, the relentless pressure paid off as Ferran Torres found the net from close range, bringing Barcelona level. However, Inter quickly regained the lead through Dumfries, whose corner kick attempt deflected off Dani Olmo and into the net, raising questions about Barcelona’s defensive organisation.

Yet, the lead was short-lived. Just 53 seconds later, Raphinha unleashed a thunderous strike from 22 yards that rattled the crossbar and bounced in off Sommer’s back, equalising once more for Barcelona.

The match continued to deliver drama, with Inter having a Henrikh Mkhitaryan goal disallowed for offside, while both teams exchanged near misses as the final whistle approached.

In the end, the two sides settled for a draw that will be remembered for its intensity and excitement. Commentator Ally McCoist summed it up perfectly, stating, “Tonight was just special. It was a joy and a privilege to be here.”

Rio Ferdinand echoed those sentiments, praising Yamal’s mesmerising performance and expressing anticipation for the next leg. “That, today, for me, was a majestic performance. It leaves it beautifully poised for the next game. I can’t wait.”