Player Ratings: Barcelona 3-3 Inter – Dumfries Is Force of Nature | OneFootball

Inter and Barcelona threw a spectacle at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in the first leg of their blockbuster Champions League semi-final tie. Simone Inzaghi’s side held runaway La Liga leaders to a goal-glutted 3-3 draw to keep their hopes of securing a second appearance in the grand final in three years firmly alive.

One of the most spectacular matches in recent Champions League memory got off to a flying start for Inter. Back from a two-week spell on the sidelines, Marcus Thuram broke the deadlock less than 60 seconds into the game with a cheeky backheel.

Denzel Dumfries, who provided the assist for Inter’s opener, doubled the visitors’ lead midway through the second half with a stunning overhead kick. However, Inter squandered a two-goal cushion in less than 15 minutes.

Lamine Yamal initiated Barcelona’s comeback with a sublime solo run before beating Yann Sommer with a laser-sharp finish. Ferran Torres made it 2-2 late in the first half after a brilliant build-up from Hansi Flick’s team.

Despite dominating possession and doubling Inter’s shot haul, Los Blaugranas found themselves on the back foot again. Dumfries was the highest in the Barcelona box to meet Hakan Calhanoglu’s corner-kick delivery and make it 3-2 for Inter.

Yet, Barca replied momentarily through Raphinha, whose thunderous long-range effort crashed against the crossbar. However, it took an awkward deflection off of Sommer’s back and finished in the back of the net.

Inter (3-5-2)

Yann Sommer – 6

It’s never pleasant when you concede THREE times in one match, but given Barcelona’s dominance, it’s hard to criticize the experienced goalkeeper, who did everything in his power to mitigate the damage.

Alessandro Bastoni – 5.5

Tasked with the massive challenge of guarding Yamal, Bastoni failed to complete the mission as the youngster won virtually every one-on-one duel. Plus, he was insecure in possession.

Francesco Acerbi – 6

It was a difficult night for the veteran, even in the absence of Robert Lewandowski. Barcelona’s mobile frontline caused havoc inside Inter’s penalty area, but the ex-Lazio man dominated in the air.

Yann Bisseck – 5.5

Brimming with insecurity, the German wasn’t equal to the task, making several erratic interventions while struggling to help Inter build from the back.

Federico Dimarco – 3

Nowhere to be seen in attack, the Italian wingback will want to forget tonight’s match in a hurry. His defensive shortcomings came to the fore as Yamal destroyed him on the flank.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 4.5

Virtually invisible in the build-up play, the Armenian had a quiet night in Catalonia but almost gave Inter an unlikely triumph, only for a marginal offside call to cut his celebration short.

Hakan Calhanoglu – 6.5

Had it not been for two teasing corner kicks that led to Inter’s goals, we would’ve talked about a disappointing performance from the Turkish playmaker.

Nicolo Barella – 6.5

Full of energy and running, the diminutive midfielder worked his socks off and was arguably the most impressive Inter player alongside Dumfries.

Denzel Dumfries – 8 *MOTM*

Incredible! The Dutchman will never forget this evening. In addition to his first Champions League brace, including a breathtaking bicycle kick, he set up Thuram for the opener and nearly recorded another assist for Mkhitaryan.

Lautaro Martinez – 5

Despite fighting tooth and nail for every ball, El Toro was ineffective in the final third and didn’t have a single shot toward Wojciech Szczesny’s goal.

Marcus Thuram – 7

Back from injury, the Frenchman scored a remarkable opening goal to hand Inter an early lead and looked sharp throughout the contest.

Substitutes

Mehdi Taremi – 4.5