BARCELONA: In a pulsating Champions League semi-final first leg, Barcelona and Inter Milan drew 3-3 — but it was 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal who stole the spotlight despite Denzel Dumfries being named Man of the Match for his two goals and one assist.
The tie at Camp Nou was a rollercoaster, with Inter racing into a 2-0 lead thanks to early brilliance from Marcus Thuram and Dumfries. But the hosts, powered by teenage energy and belief, clawed back through a stunning solo goal by Yamal and a Ferran Torres strike before halftime. The second half saw both teams score again, leaving the contest wide open ahead of next Tuesday’s return leg in Milan.
Yamal, who was celebrating his 100th senior appearance, put on a show that drew immediate comparisons to Lionel Messi. The teenager’s goal, in the 24th minute, was electric. After shrugging off Thuram and slicing through Inter’s midfield, he curled a stunning left-foot shot in off the far post — becoming the youngest player ever to score in a Champions League semi-final.
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi was in awe. “He’s the kind of talent born once every 50 years,” he said post-match. “He caused us real trouble — especially late in the first half — we had to double up on him and then found ourselves exposed elsewhere.”
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick echoed the sentiment. “He’s a genius,” said Flick. “He thrives in big games. I’m glad this once-in-50-years talent belongs to Barça.”
Inter’s early aggression came from returning stars Thuram and Dumfries. Thuram, back from a thigh injury, struck first with a slick backheel off Dumfries’ cross just moments after kickoff. Dumfries followed with a stunning bicycle kick in the 21st minute.
But Yamal’s magic flipped the momentum. He nearly scored again minutes later, hitting the crossbar after gliding past defenders. His link-up play helped Barca pile on the pressure, and eventually Torres equalized before halftime, heading in after a Raphinha setup.
In the second half, Dumfries struck again with a header from a corner, only for Barca to respond almost immediately — Raphinha’s rocket hit the bar and bounced in off Inter keeper Yann Sommer, credited as an own goal.
Inter’s Dumfries said, “We showed heart after three straight losses. This was the real Inter. It’s still all to play for.”
Yamal, while flattered by the Messi comparisons, kept things grounded. “I appreciate the praise, but all I’m thinking about is Milan,” he said.
With Barcelona dreaming of their first Champions League final since 2015, and Inter looking to go one better than their 2023 runner-up finish, all eyes now turn to San Siro for the return leg.
