Barcelona vs Inter Milan LIVE: Raphinha strike sets up Champions League second leg after Denzel Dumfries brace
Barcelona 3-3 Inter Milan: A cracker in Barcelona leaves both teams on the brink of reaching the final
Barcelona and Inter Milan have it all to play for after a thrilling and fascinating first leg clash ended in a 3-3 draw in Spain.
The visitors, tipped as underdogs ahead of kick off, shocked Hansi Flick’s men with barely a minute on the clock as Marcus Thuram backheeled the opening goal past Wojciech Szszesny to silence the crowd. Barcelona then found themselves near the brink of despair as Denzel Dumfries doubled Inter’s lead later in the first half.
Yet, the hosts turned up the tempo with thanks to an inspired Lamine Yamal. The teenager cut in from the right and scored a superb goal to bring the LaLiga leaders back into the match and Ferran Torres equalised just before the break.
A rapid and scintillating match continued after the restart with Dumfries heading in his second of the night, and Inter’s third, before a blistering strike from Raphinha brought the match level again and sets up the second leg perfectly.
Relive the action from the semi-final first leg with our live blog below:
Barcelona fightback leaves Champions League semi-final tie with Inter Milan on knife-edge
Lamine Yamal and Denzel Dumfries shared top billing as Barcelona and Inter Milan could not be separated following a spellbinding 3-3 draw at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
Dumfries teed up Marcus Thuram for a flashy finish after 30 seconds – the fastest goal in a Champions League semi-final – then the Dutchman acrobatically doubled the Serie A champions’ lead.
Yamal got the LaLiga leaders back into it with a candidate for goal of the season on the 17-year-old’s 100th Barcelona appearance and Ferran Torres levelled from six yards to end a riveting first half.
Barcelona fightback leaves Champions League semi-final tie with Inter on knife-edge
Reaction from Massimo Ambrosini
"Inter defended better than in the first half and didn't give up on attacking, taking advantage of set pieces.
“The Nerazzurri managed to limit Yamal in the second half. The result leaves everything in the balance; the second leg will be similar.
As things stand
As things stand after the first legs Paris Saint-Germain are in the best position following their 1-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Barcelona and Inter Milan are locked in a beautiful draw at 3-3 and either side can make it through to the final.
'Probably relief'
Steve McManaman was asked how Inter Milan will feel after that match and said:
“It is strange. Relief probably.
“Lautaro Martinez went off, they got a goal disallowed because of a toe nail.
“They will be feeling different emotions, but really they should be thrilled to bits.”
Reaction from Steve McManaman
The former Real Madrid winger told TNT Sports: “It had everything.
“It showed how frail Barcelona are defensively, but going forward they are electric.”
100 up for Yamal
Lamine Yamal has received a top with 100 on the back and his teammates gather for a picture.
He made his 100th appearance for Barcelona this evening.
Owen Hargreaves on Lamine Yamal
The former Manchester United midfielder said: “Lamine Yamal is so special.
“Remarkable to watch him. He makes everything look so easy.
“The only way Inter Milan could stop him was with three to four defenders.”
Reaction from Ally McCoist
The TNT Sports pundit said: "I love the new format and tonight was just special.
“It was special to be here and watch those two teams. We were treated to some unbelievable football this evening.
“It was a joy and a privilege to be here."
Full-time! Barcelona 3-3 Inter Milan
90+3 mins: A fantastic match comes to a close with both teams locked in a high scoring draw.
Inter Milan twice went ahead and were reined back in by their hosts.
The stage is set perfectly for next week’s second leg when the Serie A side seek to get themselves into the Champions League final.
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