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:
Pre-match thoughts from Martinez
Inter Milan forward, Lautaro Martinez, said: "We have great enthusiasm.
“In three years we have reached the semi-finals twice, and this hasn't happened to Inter for many years.
“We are doing a great job in the Champions League and we are trying to make our fans' dreams come true. We have a great desire to play the final once again."
How does Yamal deal with pressure?
Barcelona’s star teenager was asked that question ahead of tonight’s match and replied: "I left that fear behind on the pitch a while ago.
“I wouldn't call it pressure. In an atmosphere like the one in the Copa del Rey final, with both sets of fans, you have to go out and enjoy it.
“I don't see pressure as anything, just enjoying the moment and giving it my all."
Arsenal are still confident they can beat PSG — let them explain why
Mikel Merino may have the enviable reputation of a man for the big occasion. His first goal for Arsenal came against Liverpool. He has a winner against Chelsea to his name.
There was a strike in a victory over Real Madrid which means that, of all the clubs he has faced in his career, he has scored the most against the serial Champions League winners.
He struck for Spain against the Netherlands this season and delivered a 119th-minute winner against the hosts Germany in a Euro 2024 quarter-final.
Arsenal are still confident they can beat PSG — let them explain why
'Playing for Barca isn't something anyone can do'
Lamine Yamal is juat 17-years-old and will make his 100th appearance for Barcelona if he plays against Inter tonight.
The teenager said: "At my age, few players have played as many games for a club like Barca, and that's what I value most.
“Playing at this level and for a club like Barca isn't something that anyone can do."
'Inter's defence is their greatest weapon'
Barcelona forward, Lamine Yamal, said: "In defence, Inter are a very strong team.
“It's their greatest weapon; they prove it every year in the Champions League.
“We're eager to reach the final and show who we are."
'Inter are a very difficult opponent'
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Flick added: "We're only focused on this first match, this is the first step.
“Inter are a very difficult opponent. I think their defence is one of the strongest in Europe, but also they have a very good midfield and the two strikers are very strong.
“It's a tough match and we have to be prepared."
'We have to work hard to reach the final'
Barcelona coach, Hansi Flick, spoke about what his team need to do tonight in order to reach the Champions League final.
He said: "What I can see is that everyone is focused, everyone knows how important this semi-final is.
“This [cup final] win against Real [Madrid] is of course very important for the vibes. We know we have to work hard to reach a final."
Why Barcelona’s kamikaze offside trap could change European football
Weird and wonderful things are happening at Barcelona this season. Their games have brought more goals than any other team in Europe’s top five leagues.
They have trapped more opponents offside than any club, too.
Their kamikaze high line gives matches a bizarre look and similarly bizarre things seem to unfold: goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny impaled his own defender with his kneecap; in the same game, captain Raphinha scored from outside the box with his face.
Why Barcelona’s kamikaze offside trap could change European football
Inter Milan's early team news
Benjamin Pavard appears set to miss out for Inter Milan after sustaining an ankle problem against Roma.
There is hope, though, that Marcus Thuram could play some part.
Predicted Inter Milan XI: Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Arnautovic.
Barcelona's early team news
Barcelona remain without Robert Lewandowski, with the striker still recovering from a hamstring issue.
Ferran Torres is again in line to deputise up front. Alejandro Balde also looks set to miss out through injury.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Martin; Pedri, De Jong, Olmo; Yamal, Torres, Raphinha.
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