Barcelona held by Inter in 3-3 Thrilling Match
Barcelona has reached the final four of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25, as the tournament enters its decisive phase. All four semi-finalists have completed their first-leg matches. Barcelona impressed in their clash, while Arsenal suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to PSG. The French side now carries a slim advantage to Paris.
Read Also: AC Milan Eyes Sixth Cup After Stunning Inter in Semifinal
Barcelona hosted Italian giants Inter Milan at home. These two sides gave a better performance than the previous night. Both teams played a 3-3 draw in Spain.
Barcelona Battle Back After Inter’s Early Blitz
This match made an unexpected start when Marcus Thuram opened the scoring within the first minute of the game. Inter Milan attacked from the first whistle, and that led to a goal. Denzel Dumfries provided a low cross to Thuram, who flicked the ball past Szczesny in Barcelona’s goal.
Dumfries then doubled the lead with an acrobatic finish in the 21st minute. Inter were all over the home team. Barcelona’s attackers have haunted a lot of defences this season. This was their chance to show their capabilities. Lamine Yamal made his 100th appearance for Barcelona. He marked this day with a superb solo goal in the 24th minute.
Two minutes later, the 17-year-old rattled the crossbar with a brilliant effort. Raphina produced his magic in the 38th minute. His ball found Ferran Torres inside the box, and the Spaniard levelled the score in the first half.
Big setup for the second leg
Inter Milan came back strong in the next 45 minutes. Denzel Dumfries scored his second of the night with a headed goal in the 63rd minute. However, Barcelona took no time to make a comeback. Raphinha’s volley from outside the box struck the crossbar. Yan Sommer was unlucky as the shot hit behind his back to find the back of the net. Barcelona could have taken the lead late in the match, but Yamal was once again unlucky as his shot hit the post in the 87th minute.
Dembele helps PSG in North London
Arsenal were once again on the big stage, but against French giants PSG. Luis Enrique’s men have transformed into a very offensive team. They defeated two English teams in their path to the semis. Arsenal were their third Premier League opponents after Liverpool and Aston Villa.
The French team took just four minutes to take the lead against Arteta’s men. Ousmane Dembele slotted the ball past David Raya. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored the only goal of this first leg.
Arsenal fans had a moment to cherish when Mikel Merino headed the ball past Donnarumma, who was superb in PSG’s goal. However, Merino was adjudged offside by VAR. Donnarumma made five saves to deny Arsenal from equalising. PSG could have doubled the lead, but Goncalo Ramos was denied by the post late in the match.
The Gunners have a huge task on hand, but PSG only have a slight advantage. Arteta’s men will hope to use their set-piece tactics and get past the recently crowned French champions.
