The first leg of the Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Inter ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, setting the stage for an exciting return match in Italy. The game kicked off dramatically with Marcus Thuram, back in the starting lineup, scoring a record-breaking goal just 30 seconds in. However, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal once again displayed his extraordinary talent, netting a superb solo goal on his 100th appearance for Barcelona and later hitting the post. Despite Yamal`s brilliance, Barcelona struggled with Inter`s effectiveness from set pieces, conceding multiple goals. Denzel Dumfries was particularly impactful, scoring twice from corner kicks in a wide-open match that captivated spectators. This high-scoring encounter offers plenty to analyze before the crucial second leg in Milan.
Caught out repeatedly as Inter profited from corner kicks, it was a game to forget for Barcelona`s goalkeeper. He`ll need to step up significantly for Barcelona to have a chance in Italy.
5
Gerard Martin
45
Substituted at halftime as a tactical adjustment. Like Jules Kounde, the outside back had a difficult outing.
5
Inigo Martinez
90
Had a slightly better performance than some fellow Barcelona defenders, but conceding three goals overshadows individual efforts.
6
Pau Cubarsi
83
Similar to his central defense partner, Cubarsi didn`t have his best game, but Barcelona managed to defensively improve in the second half to help secure the draw.
6
Jules Kounde
42
Beaten decisively on Marcus Thuram`s opening goal and then suffered an injury, making it a match to forget for Kounde.
5
Frenkie de Jong
90
Created some opportunities and effectively kept possession flowing with Pedri. However, defending is a team effort, and most players outside the attack share some blame.
6
Pedri
83
As expected, he did an excellent job keeping Barcelona`s attack progressing. While nothing spectacular stood out, with strong attacking players ahead of him, his simple effectiveness was sufficient.
6
Dani Olmo
68
Unlucky not to score, Olmo found space when Inter focused too heavily on Barcelona`s wide players and forced Yann Sommer into saves.
7
Raphinha
90
With an assist and a goal that ended up being an own goal after hitting the bar and Sommer, Raphinha delivered another excellent performance. The Brazilian`s form will be key for Barcelona`s chances in the tie.
8
Ferran Torres
90
Leading the line in Robert Lewandowski`s absence, Torres found the back of the net. Playing in a crucial attacking role for Barcelona, he contributed significantly to keeping the attack fluid.
8
Lamine Yamal
90
It`s astonishing he`s only 17. From his runs and vision to his shooting ability, there`s little Yamal can`t do. His brilliance was clear throughout the match, highlighted by his stunning goal.
9
Substitutes
Eric Garcia
Jules Kounde
Nothing flashy, but he was composed on the ball and helped Barcelona keep possession moving after being unexpectedly brought on.
6
Ronald Araujo
Gerard Martin
Provided much-needed defensive stability. His performance off the bench raises the question of whether he should start the second leg, giving Hansi Flick a decision to make.
6
Fermin Lopez
Dani Olmo
Helped maintain the attacking momentum and tested Sommer. A solid contribution for a substitute.
6
Andreas Christensen
Pau Cubarsi
Brought on for fresh legs after Cubarsi received a yellow card, with Hansi Flick taking a cautious approach.
N/A
Gavi
Pedri
Came on late to help close out the game and had limited time to make a major impact, but kept Barcelona progressing.
N/A
Manager
Subs used
How did the manager do?
Rating
Hansi Flick
5
Barcelona could easily have collapsed after falling two goals behind, but they showed great resilience to recover. While set-piece defense needs improvement, it was a solid performance overall considering the circumstances.
6
Inter Player Ratings
Name
Minutes
How did they do
Rating
Yann Sommer
90
Sommer has been excellent in the Champions League, but this was a match to forget. Barcelona peppered him with shots, and conceding three goals from an xG of 1.39 suggests some goalkeeping errors, compounded by the own goal.
4
Alessandro Bastoni
90
Not the best outing for the Italian defender. He struggled in individual duels, allowing Barcelona more opportunities for shots in the box. Although many were from difficult angles, Barcelona`s finishing quality makes them dangerous.
6
Francesco Acerbi
90
Provided a defender-to-defender assist from a set piece and maintained solid positioning, clearing chances before Barcelona could convert them into more goals.
7
Yann Bisseck
90
Filling in for Benjamin Pavard, Bisseck found it difficult to keep pace with Barcelona`s attackers. This is often the case for defenders, but it was particularly noticeable given the game`s nature.
5
Federico Dimarco
56
Returning from injury, Dimarco helped push Inter forward but expended significant energy trying to contain Yamal.
5
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
90
Unlucky not to score, potentially changing the game`s trajectory. He wasn`t strong defensively, but his creativity contributed to Inter`s attacks.
6
Hakan Calhanoglu
71
Inter effectively utilized Calhanoglu`s excellent set-piece delivery, which was crucial to their scoring. While pleased with that, they will hope he avoids a yellow card in the second leg.
7
Nicolo Barella
90
A quiet game by Barella`s usual standards. He struggled to dictate the tempo in midfield, which was difficult given Barcelona`s ball possession dominance.
6
Denzel Dumfries
81
Outstanding from both set pieces and open play, scoring two goals and providing an assist from right back is exceptional production.
9
Marcus Thuram
81
Scoring less than a minute in, Thuram immediately showed Inter what they missed in his absence. His movement and touch are excellent, and Inter will need more of this if they are to win the tie.
8
Lautaro Martinez
45
Despite a first half with four goals, the Argentine wasn`t heavily involved before picking up a back injury just before halftime. A significant blow for Inter in this crucial fixture.
5
Substitutes
Matteo Darmian
Denzel Dumfries
Came on for fresh legs and primarily focused on defending and preventing Barcelona from scoring further.
N/A
Carlos Agusto
Federico Dimarco
Created some chances and was decent defensively, though handling Barcelona`s wide players is a tough task.
6
Davide Frattesi
Hakan Calhanoglu
Didn`t get on the ball much as Barcelona largely kept possession towards the end of the match.
6
Pitor Zielinski
Marcus Thuram
Introduced for fresh legs and mainly tasked with defensive duties as Barcelona pushed forward.
N/A
Mehdi Taremi
Lautaro Martinez
Came into the game but barely touched the ball. Losing Lautaro Martinez in attack is a major setback, and uncertainty about his fitness for the second leg is a worry.
N/A
Manager
Subs used
How did the manager do?
Rating
Simone Inzaghi
5
Considering injury issues and playing away at Barcelona, Inter scoring three goals is an excellent return, especially after being scoreless in their previous three matches. The concern is conceding three goals, which needs to be addressed.
