A Match for the Ages – Inter Milan versus Barcelona
An Iconic match was witnessed only days ago between two of Europe’s finest clubs; Inter Milan and Barcelona in the ongoing Champions’ Leagues semi-finals, which happened last Wednesday at the Olympic Stadium at Montjuic
Both teams went into intense action in a 3-5-2 and a 4-2-3-1 formation respectively.
Initially pitched as the favourites to win, Barcelona got blinded rather early even before the game geared on full throttle, making that narrative just what it was; a narrative. A total of six goals by end of Match was not unexpected but it was a very satisfying result for many a football watcher.
As a football newbie, seeing the line-up for Barcelona, I thought, surely this is going to be a win? Or was it too early to predict a win. I must say, I had to give it to Inter-Milan who greatly impressed me throughout the proceedings, not only with their determination but also their skill, team spirit and effort.
Barcelona got stunned in a rude awakening moment which saw Marcus Thuram score the fastest goal ever in the history of Champion’s League semi-finals when he cleverly backheeled a well-positioned cross from Denzel Dumfries into the bottom left corner of the pole in less than one minute. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny despite his best stretch was completely outwitted. And with that, Inter “stole” the lead. After this, several attempts by Lamine Yamal to win an equalizer proved futile. But the Barcelona Fans were most definitely not letting up. A random corner was converted into another classic goal by Denzel Dumfries, who connected a headed pass from Francesco Ascerbi. At this point you would have thought Barcelona would cower. Although supporters were more quieted, the boys were unfazed.! And who better to look unperturbed than 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who in the 24th minute dribbled the ball past Inter defenders and determinedly left-drove the ball into the far right corner of the pole and into the net with a helpless goalie haplessly looking on. There were two more goal attempts by Lamine for an equalizer, but these failed with Goalkeeper Yann Sommer pointing one of his shots out of the way.
Barça levelled up in the 38th minute, Ferran Torres working with Pedri and Raphinha delivered a targeted equalizer to the jubilant shouts of Barça Supporters. In the 63rd Minute, Dumfries was at it again, and headed home a corner taken by Dani Olmo to push Inter back in the lead. The ball completely outwitted Goal keeper Szczesny whose super stretch could still not graze the ball with the tips of his fingers. A total stunner followed with Rapinha’s stunning long range shot from 30 yards from the goal post, deflecting off Yann Sommer and into the net putting Barcelona and Inter Milan back at par.
Attempts were made again towards the end of the match; Mkhitaryan scoring but VAR showed he was offside by the length of a big toe, Lamine hitting the pole, Raphinha with his long range once again, which was graced by pointing by Goalkeeper Yann Sommer, bringing the end of the sizzling match to a 3-3 drawn game.
What happened in the second leg is anyone’s guess. To be continued.