UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals – First Leg FC Barcelona 3–0 Inter Milan

By Alonso Contreras

FC Barcelona delivered a commanding performance in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, defeating Inter Milan 3–0 at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. With goals from Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and a brilliant all-around team display, the Catalans placed one foot firmly in the final ahead of the second leg in Milan.

First Half

The hosts came out of the blocks with intent, dominating possession from the outset and setting the tempo through the midfield pairing of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri. Despite Inter Milan deploying a compact shape to frustrate Barcelona’s ball carriers, the breakthrough came early.

In the 24th minute, 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal broke the deadlock. After receiving a clever ball from Raphinha, the winger darted into the box and lashed a low shot into the far corner beyond Yann Sommer, igniting the 50,000+ fans inside the stadium.

Barcelona’s grip tightened and they doubled their advantage just 14 minutes later. A rapid transition allowed Ferran Torres to exploit space behind the Nerazzurri backline, and the winger coolly slotted home in the 38th minute after a precise through ball from Dani Olmo.

Inter, clearly rattled, struggled to respond. Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez saw little of the ball, and when Inter did attempt to mount attacks, they were swiftly broken down by a disciplined Barcelona backline marshaled by Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez.

Barcelona nearly made it three just before halftime when Yamal once again tore through the right side but his curling effort missed the far post by inches.

Second Half

Simone Inzaghi rang the changes at halftime, bringing on Mehdi Taremi for Lautaro Martínez in search of a spark. But it was Barcelona who resumed control. Ronald Araújo came on for Gerard Martín to tighten the defense and allow Jules Koundé more freedom to push forward.

Barcelona's third goal came shortly after the hour mark through an incisive counter-attack. Substitute Fermín López, introduced for Dani Olmo in the 68th minute, was pivotal in transition, feeding Diego Rossi whose cut-back eventually found Ferran Torres again — though the goal would later be recorded as an own goal by goalkeeper Yann Sommer, after an unfortunate deflection.

Inter Milan’s attempts to claw back were meek. Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s introduction in the 56th minute briefly added structure, but the midfield trio of Barella, Mkhitaryan, and Çalhanoğlu struggled to keep pace with Barcelona's fluid rotations. Attempts by Dumfries and Thuram were either blocked or off-target, with Patrick Schulte having little to do between the Barcelona posts.

Key Performers

• Lamine Yamal: A constant menace on the right flank, scoring the opener and causing nightmares for Federico Dimarco.

• Ferran Torres: Scored and assisted while stretching Inter’s backline all night.

• Frenkie de Jong: The heartbeat of the midfield, dictating tempo and recycling possession effectively.

Tactical Analysis

Barcelona’s dominance (66% possession) was matched by sharp execution, pressing Inter high and efficiently regaining the ball. Hansi Flick’s decision to start young talent such as Yamal and Cubarsí paid dividends, as both players performed beyond their years. Meanwhile, Inter were reactive, sitting too deep and failing to link midfield with attack.

Match Statistics

• Shots: Barcelona 19 – 7 Inter

• Shots on Target: 10 – 3

• Possession: 66% – 34%

• Corners: 7 – 2

• Fouls Committed: 10 – 11

Conclusion

Barcelona will travel to Milan for the return leg with a resounding 3–0 lead and confidence brimming through the squad. For Inter, it will require a monumental effort to overturn this deficit and keep their European dream alive.