Barcelona Champions League Draw – Flick: “There’s Still the Second Leg”
Barcelona and Inter Milan shared the spoils in a thrilling 3-3 draw during the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Thursday, May 1, 2025 (WIB).
The match burst into life from the first whistle. Inter took a shock 2-0 lead inside 20 minutes through Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries. But Barcelona roared back with goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres to end a frantic first half at 2-2. Lamine Yamal’s Breakthrough Season at Barcelona
Dumfries struck again in the 63rd minute to put Inter ahead once more, only for Raphinha’s long-range strike to deflect off the post and bounce in off goalkeeper Yann Sommer for an own goal, securing a 3-3 draw.
After the match, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick remained positive, saying:
Match Recap: A Battle of High Intensity
The match couldn’t have started more explosively. Inter silenced the home crowd within 30 seconds when Marcus Thuram stylishly backheeled Dumfries’ low cross past Szczesny to make it 1-0.
Ferran Torres came close to equalizing in the 11th minute, but his shot flew just wide. Then, in the 20th minute, Dumfries doubled the lead with an acrobatic volley after a corner was only partially cleared.
Barcelona responded in style just four minutes later as Lamine Yamal curled in a beauty from outside the box. The comeback was complete in the 38th minute when Ferran Torres tucked in a low cross from Raphinha to make it 2-2.
After halftime, Barcelona pushed forward, but Dumfries struck again in the 63rd minute, pouncing on another set-piece. However, Raphinha’s long-range shot moments later ricocheted off the post and then off Yann Sommer’s back into the net, leveling it at 3-3.
Inter almost stole it in the 75th minute through Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
Lineups: BARCELONA VS INTER
Barcelona: Szczesny; Kounde (Eric Garcia 42′), Cubarsi (Christensen 83′), Martínez, Martin (Araujo 46′); Pedri (Gavi 83′), De Jong; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo (Fermin Lopez 68′), Raphinha; Ferran Torres.
Inter Milan: Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries (Darmian 81′), Barella, Calhanoglu (Frattesi 71′), Mkhitaryan, Dimarco (Agusto 56′); Thuram (Zielinski 81′), Lautaro (Taremi 46′).
History of the Barcelona vs Inter Rivalry
The rivalry between Barcelona and Inter is not as intense as some of the more famous domestic rivalries, such as El Clásico or the Derby della Madonnina. However, their encounters in the UEFA Champions League have created several dramatic and memorable moments, especially since the early 2000s.
The Beginning of the Rivalry
Although the two teams first met in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1959–60, the rivalry only started to intensify in the 2000s when both teams frequently met in the Champions League in important matches. Both clubs are among the most successful in Europe, and each meeting between them has consistently delivered dramatic and star-studded encounters.
Key Matches in the Rivalry
2002–03 Champions League (Second Group Stage)
- First Leg (San Siro): Inter Milan 0–0 Barcelona
- Second Leg (Camp Nou): Barcelona 3–0 Inter Milan
Barcelona secured a dominant victory in the second leg, advancing to the next stage of the tournament.
2009–10 Champions League (Semifinals)
This was the pinnacle moment in the rivalry between the two teams.
- First Leg (San Siro): Inter Milan 3–1 Barcelona
Inter Milan played outstandingly with goals from Wesley Sneijder, Maicon, and Diego Milito, giving them a crucial advantage. - Second Leg (Camp Nou): Barcelona 1–0 Inter Milan
Although Barcelona won the second leg, they failed to overturn the deficit, and Inter Milan advanced to the final with an aggregate score of 3–2.
Ultimately, Inter Milan, under the guidance of José Mourinho, went on to win the treble (Serie A, Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League) in that same season. Mourinho also became famous for his emotional celebration at Camp Nou after the victory.
2018–19 Champions League (Group Stage)
- Barcelona 2–0 Inter Milan
- Inter Milan 1–1 Barcelona
Barcelona managed to defeat Inter Milan at Camp Nou, even without Lionel Messi. In the second leg, Inter Milan played to a draw at home, but it was not enough to top the group.
2019–20 Champions League (Group Stage)
- Barcelona 2–1 Inter Milan
- Inter Milan 1–2 Barcelona
Inter Milan, under Antonio Conte, played better but Barcelona managed to win both encounters, with goals from Luis Suárez and Ansu Fati.
2022–23 Champions League (Group Stage)
- Inter Milan 1–0 Barcelona
- Barcelona 3–3 Inter Milan
Inter Milan secured a 1–0 victory at home in the first leg, and in the second leg, the match at Camp Nou ended in a 3–3 draw. This result meant Barcelona failed to qualify for the Round of 16, while Inter Milan advanced to the Champions League final.
Tensions Off the Field
Although this rivalry is not driven by geographical or political factors, several elements have added to the tension:
- José Mourinho vs Pep Guardiola: The meeting between these two iconic managers added drama to the 2010 semifinals, with Mourinho managing to surprise Guardiola with his highly effective defensive strategy.
- Player Transfers: Big-name players like Ronaldo Nazário, Samuel Eto’o, and Thiago Motta have played for both clubs. The transfer of Eto’o from Barcelona to Inter Milan in 2009, as part of the deal to bring Zlatan Ibrahimović to Camp Nou, further fueled the rivalry.
Head-to-Head Record (as of May 2025)
- Total Matches: 12
- Barcelona Wins: 6
- Inter Milan Wins: 3
- Draws: 3
Why Is This Rivalry Important?
This rivalry reflects the philosophical differences in football between the two teams:
- Barcelona is known for its possession-based philosophy, quick attacking play, and the tiki-taka style pioneered by the La Masia academy.
- Inter Milan places greater emphasis on solid defense and intelligent tactics, with a strong ability to counter-attack.
Each encounter between these two teams in Europe is always a prestigious battle, with high pressure from both a tactical and historical standpoint.
Match Infographic: Barcelona vs Inter (3-3)
Date: May 1, 2025
Stadium: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona
Final Score: Barcelona 3 – 3 Inter Milan
Key Match Stats
| Stat | Barcelona | Inter |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 72% | 28% |
| Shots (On Target) | 19 (9) | 7 (3) |
| Fouls | 10 | 11 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 1 |
| Pass Accuracy | 90% | 75% |
Statistik Menarik Liga Champions 2025
Goal Scorers
- Marcus Thuram (1′)
- Denzel Dumfries (20′, 63′)
- Lamine Yamal (24′)
- Ferran Torres (38′)
- Own Goal by Yann Sommer (65′)
Additional Highlights
- Mkhitaryan’s goal disallowed (75′) for offside
- Barcelona dominated possession, but Inter were clinical on the counter
- Yann Sommer was involved in an own goal that sealed the final score
Despite dominating possession and chances, Barcelona had to settle for a draw, with Inter proving deadly on the counterattack.
Second Leg Predictions: What Pundits Say
Analysts expect a tight second leg in Milan, with Inter likely playing a more conservative game, while Barcelona will need to be sharper in defense and more clinical in attack.
Predicted Outcomes:
- Inter 2-2 Barcelona (Inter qualify on away goals)
- Inter 2-3 Barcelona (Barcelona advance on aggregate)
- Inter 1-1 Barcelona (Inter advance)
3 Reasons Barcelona Can Still Qualify
- Hansi Flick’s Tactical Impact
Flick has introduced a dynamic approach with sharp attacking transitions and midfield control. - Improved Individual Performances
Players like Raphinha and Ferran Torres are stepping up when it matters most. - Resilient Mentality
Despite trailing multiple times, Barcelona fought back each time, a sign of a strong competitive spirit.
Conclusion: Still in the Fight, But Work Remains
The 3-3 draw highlighted both Barcelona’s attacking power and their defensive vulnerabilities. Coach Hansi Flick now has a week to address these issues and prepare his team for a decisive showdown at San Siro.
With the right adjustments, Barcelona’s path to the next round is still very much alive.
FAQ: Barcelona vs Inter – Champions League Semifinal
What does the 3-3 result mean for Barcelona’s chances?
Barcelona must either win or draw with a high score (e.g., 4-4) in the second leg to advance. Inter progresses with a 0-0, 1-1, or 2-2 draw.
When is the second leg?
The second leg will take place on May 7, 2025, at San Siro, Milan.
Is Hansi Flick confident for the second leg?
Yes. Flick emphasized that Barcelona is far from finished and will play to win in Milan.