Barcelona vs. Inter score: Wild 3-3 draw leaves Champions League semifinal tied heading to leg two in Milan

Both teams are competing for a spot in the final on May 31

Barcelona came back from behind twice to salvage a 3-3 draw against Inter on Wednesday, completing the comeback in one of the most dramatic UEFA Champions League semifinal matches in recent memory.

Inter snapped a three game goalless run after roughly 30 seconds of play courtesy of Marcus Thuram, who returned from a short-term injury to score the game's opening goal with a stunning finish from distance. The visitors went up 2-0 in the 21st minute thanks to Denzel Dumfries, who scored off a corner and helped build a cushion for Inter despite Barcelona's dominance throughout the opening 20 minutes of the game.

The hosts did not waste much more time in mounting the comeback, though. Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old marking his 100th Barcelona appearance on Wednesday, pulled one back with an impressive strike of his own in the 24th minute, while Ferran Torres' effort from close range ensured the game would be 2-2 by halftime.

The two sides traded another goal each in the second half, and in particularly quick succession. Dumfries scored again from a corner in the 63rd minute but Barcelona had their equalizer just two minutes later off a corner of their own. They played the ball back to Raphinha, who was yards from the box but took a powerful strike that deflected off the crossbar and then off the back of goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who received credit for the own goal.

These sides return for the second leg in Milan on Tuesday with a spot in the Champions League final on the line.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 4:51 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

FT: Barcelona 3, Inter 3

That's a wrap in Barcelona, where a very, very entertaining first leg just played out. Barcelona brought a lot of their usual attacking brilliance but Inter were up to the task, mounting an impressive response after a three game losing streak and goalless run. There's a lot to play for when these sides meet in Milan on Tuesday but if today is anything to go by, expect fireworks with a spot in the final on the line.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 4:52 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Huge save from Sommer

90'+1 Raphinha comes up with an incredible shot that looks destined for goal but Sommer comes up with an even more brilliant save, especially impressive because of the speed of the Barcelona player's movement. The teams are about midway through three minutes of stoppage time now.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 4:49 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Barcelona look for a winner

89' Barcelona are spending the final minutes of this one in Inter's half as a wide range of players contribute to the search for a game-winner. Yamal, Gavi, Christensen, de Jong and more are finding passes and forcing Inter to do some last-ditch defending, a plan that has worked so far.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 4:41 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Late changes for Inter

82' After a strong outing, Dumfries and Thruam are done for the night. Darmian and Zielinski are on in their places.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 4:38 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

No goal for Inter

73' Dumfries makes a run and then a pass that Szczesny can't get ahold of, allowing Mkhitaryan to score from close range. Semi-automated offside technology says it's officer and after a fairly quick review, the referees are in agreement. It was a tight call, though.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 4:33 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Cubarsi saves the day

72' Inter look close to scoring a fourth as Thuram runs towards goal, almost no one nearby before he goes up against Szczesny. Cubarsi comes in at the last moment to nick the ball off Thuram, though, sliding to get a touch on it and successfully keeping Barcelona out of danger.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 4:25 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

GOAL! Barcelona 3, Inter 3

66' And just like that, Barcelona are back on level terms again! They earn a corner on the other end and go with the dummy, the ball eventually landing to Raphinha, who is yeards away from the penalty area. He takes the strike from there and the ball comes off the crossbar and then off of Sommer's back before landing in the back of the net, officially counting as an own goal from Inter's goalkeeper.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 4:23 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

GOAL! Barcelona 2, Inter 3

64' Inter are back in front! They have been in strong attacking form this half and win a corner after Barella makes a run into the box. Once the corner is taken, it's Dumfries who gets a touch on it and sends it into the back of the net, though there may have been a deflection off of Araujo. Take nothing away from Dumfries, though -- he was crucial in the build-up to the first goal and now has two of his own off set pieces.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 4:16 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Another change for Inter

56' Dimarco is off shortly before the hour mark, likely an attempt to manage his minutes after recovering from injury. Augusto is on in his place.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 4:11 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Inter start strong

50' Inter have come out strong to start this second half, stringing together a few decent attacking plays. Dimarco is in position to score and he takes a shot from close range, though the strike misses the target. It's still an encouraging start as the visitors look for another go-ahead goal.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 4:05 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Changes for both sides

46' The teams are back for the second half and Inter will make a change before play resumes -- Martinez is off, Taremi is on. It's a big blow for Inter to lose their top goalscorer, especially as they aim to claw back into the game. Barcelona also make a change of their own, bringing on Araujo for Martin at left back.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 3:52 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

HT: Barcelona 2, Inter 2

Entertaining doesn't even begin to cover how jam-packed that first half was. Inter surprised with two early goals but Barcelona were the better team throughout and leveled the score by halftime, much of it thanks to 17-year-old Yamal in his 100th appearance. The hosts have dictated tempo and have 71% of the ball, while and have outshot Inter 10 to three, also outdoing them 1.19 to 0.7 on expected goals so far. Considering Inter haven't taken a shot since going up 2-0 in the 21st minute, it is fair to say the momentum has fully swung in Barcelona's favor. 

[Apr 30, 2025 at 3:45 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Kounde comes off

42' Kounde pulls up with an injury and is unable to continue, forcing Flick to make a substitution. Garcia is on in his place as the first half nears its conclusion.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 3:40 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

GOAL! Barcelona 2, Inter 2

38' There's the long-awaited equalizer from Barcelona! Pedri's impressive cross finds Raphinha at the far post and he heads the ball towards Torres, who puts the ball in the back of the net and levels the score. The hosts are deserving -- they've been in control of this game throughout, even if the scoreline did not indicate as much. This sets up for a fascinating second half, and that's without considering next week's second leg.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 3:39 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Yamal can't stop

37' Barcelona's consistent attacking effort hasn't really stopped so far this first half, much of it running through Yamal. The youngster is now up to three shots, including one just moments after his goal that hit the post, but he has also been key in setting up his teammates for opportunities. The latest includes stealing the ball of inter and kicking off a play that ends with Olmo forcing a big stop out of Sommer. 

[Apr 30, 2025 at 3:26 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

GOAL! Barcelona 1, Inter 2

25' Barcelona claw one back thanks to -- who else? -- Yamal. He skillfully moves his way around the opposition before scoring a goal that once gain makes this a one goal game. What a way for Yamal to mark his 100th appearance for Barcelona -- it's a statement-making moment from the teen sensation, who's coming up in big moments at just 17 years old.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 3:23 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

GOAL! Barcelona 0, Inter 2

21' Barcelona may have been on the front foot since the first goal but it's Inter who strike again! The visitors earn a corner and Dumfries finishes it off, giving his side a sizable advantage at this early stage of the semifinal tie. Just to illustrate the surprise that this scoreline comes with -- Inter have two goals off just three shots and only 0.7 expected goals.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 3:22 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Another look at goal for Torres

20' Torres is really becoming a central figure in this game as Barcelona aim to mount the comeback, registering yet another shot. He's inside the box again and takes a powerful hit but it flies past the goal.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 3:15 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Torres with a shot

13' Things have simmered down somewhat since a frantic first 10 minutes but Torres got as close as anyone has at Barcelona to an equalizer, connecting with Yamal before taking a shot from close range. He misses the target, but not by a lot.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 3:08 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Barcelona on the attack

6' Barcelona are already on the hunt for their equalizer, with Yamal playing a beautiful ball to Torres. He's making a run towards goal but can't get his foot on the ball for what could've been an easy finish. Barcelona continue to recycle the ball and a few other contenders are in the mix now -- Olmo has his stab at creating a chance, while the hosts have a couple of set pieces under their belt already. 

[Apr 30, 2025 at 3:03 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

GOAL! Barcelona 0, Inter 1

1' Barely 30 seconds on the clock and Inter are already on the board! Inter go on the attack quickly and Kounde manages a clearance, but it's not great and lands to Thuram and he comes up with an impressive finish. Not a bad way for Thuram to mark his return after three games out, and an especially nice way for Inter to snap their three game goalless run. It's also the fastest-ever goal in a Champions League semifinal.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 3:03 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Barcelona 0, Inter 0

The game is officially underway in Barcelona.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 2:56 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Yamal will play

Guillem Balague reports on the UEFA Champions League Today pre-match show that Yamal was feeling his groin but he will, in fact, stay in Barcelona's lineup.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 2:51 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Yamal walks out of warmups

Yamal has just left the pitch during warmups holding his left groin or thigh. There's no word on whether or not he will stay in the lineup but that's definitely something that sparks concern for Barcelona.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 2:38 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Yamal's century mark

Yamal may just be 17 years old, but today marks the youngster's 100th appearance for Barcelona. Here's Guillem Balague on the star's upward trajectory, his confidence and his new haircut.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 2:23 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Player to watch: Pedri

Yamal might be the focal point of Barcelona's plans but he is far from the only player to keep an eye on today. Here's James Benge on Pedri, who could play a major role in the first leg.

• Benge: "Barcelona figure to see a lot of possession in advanced areas, against an Inter side that are eminently capable of organising themselves against top tier attacks. Can Pedri pick the gaps in the backline and get quick balls flying up the field when Barcelona have the chance? The evidence of this season is he absolutely can."

For more expert picks and predictions, click here.

[Apr 30, 2025 at 2:08 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Thuram, Martinez lead Inter's line

After three games away, Thuram returns to Inter's lineup just in time for today's Champions League semifinal. He's up top alongside Martinez, Inter's leading goalscorer this season. Here's a look at their lineup.

Inter starting XI: Sommer, Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco, L. Martinez, Thuram

Substitutes: J. Martinez, de Vrij, Zielinski, Arnautovic, Di Gennaro, Frattesi, Asllani, Augusto, Darmian, Re Cecconi, Zalewski, Taremi

[Apr 30, 2025 at 2:01 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Yamal, Raphinha start for Barcelona

Barcelona may be without Lewandowski but Yamal and Raphinha are in the lineup to lead their goalscoring charge against Inter. Olmo, meanwhile, returns to the lineup after several weeks out with an injury. Here's a look at their lineup.

Barcelona starting XI: Szczesny, Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Martin, de Jong, Pedri, Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha, Torres

Substitutes: Pena, Astralaga, Araujo, Gavi, Fati, Torre, Christensen, Lopez, Vitor, Garcia, Fort

[Apr 30, 2025 at 1:45 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

How to watch FC Barcelona vs. Inter and odds

• Date: Wednesday, April 30 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
• Location: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys-- Barcelona, Spain
• TV: CBS | Live stream: Paramount+
• Odds: FC Barcelona -165; Draw +300; Inter +425

[Apr 30, 2025 at 1:21 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Hello and welcome!

The Champions League semifinals continue on Wednesday with another big clash, this time between Barcelona and Inter. Barcelona are still on treble watch while Inter, who were there a week ago, now feel like they are at risk of not winning a single trophy this season. How both sides will approach this game is also something worth keeping an eye on -- Hansi Flick's side will be without Robert Lewandowski, while Simone Inzaghi's side could welcome back Marcus Thuram but striking the balance between their Serie A title race and the Champions League is a big task.

Stick around for pre-game thoughts and updates once the action begins in Barcelona.