By Olaitan Ibrahim
Barcelona fought back from two goals down to force a dramatic 3-3 draw against Inter Milan in a pulsating first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the iconic Camp Nou on Wednesday night.
The match, a rollercoaster of emotions, saw both teams go toe-to-toe in a thrilling encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats from the first minute.
It was Inter Milan who struck first with a stunning piece of play in the opening minute. Denzel Dumfries delivered a perfect cross into the box, and Marcus Thuram executed a sublime back-heel finish to give the visitors the lead, 1-0.
Barcelona‘s early struggles continued as Dumfries doubled Inter’s advantage just 21 minutes later. His clinical strike from inside the box, following a header from Francesco Acerbi, left Barcelona reeling at 2-0.
However, the hosts soon began to find their rhythm. Barcelona’s young sensation, Lamine Yamal, reduced the deficit with a brilliant solo run and a precise strike that cannoned in off the left post, bringing the score to 2-1 in the 24th minute.
Yamal was also involved in a few more dangerous moments, including a fantastic save by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer to deny his rising shot just three minutes later.
Barcelona continued to press, and their persistence paid off in the 38th minute. Raphinha sent a perfect ball into the box, and Ferran Torres made no mistake, firing past Sommer to equalize at 2-2.