Inter's Thuram and Dumfries Revitalize Team during Draw against Barcelona in Champions League Semi-Finals
Inter Milan Roars Back with Thuram and Dumfries in Champions League Semifinal Sensation
Barcelona, Spain - Inter Milan's attacking prowess was on display Wednesday night as Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries shone brightly in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals.
Dumfries, back from a hamstring injury, scored two spectacular goals and provided an assist for Thuram's opener, leading Inter to a well-deserved point against the La Liga champions.
"Delighted to be back, it was a tough period due to my injury but now I'm here and ready to deliver," Dumfries beamed to Amazon Prime. "What a fantastic comeback!"
Inter had struggled in their previous three matches without scoring a goal - a drought unseen in over a decade. Losing their Serie A lead and exiting the Italian Cup during that spell, Inter's fortunes suddenly turned with the return of key players Thuram and Dumfries.
Thuram casually back-heeled in Dumfries' cross just seconds into the match, stunning Barcelona fans in attendance. But one supporter remained calm - Lilian Thuram, Marcus' father and former defender for Parma, Juventus, and Barcelona.
"He's a tough cookie, always pushing me to do better," Marcus said, smiling. "I think he's pleased, but still wants more from me. After all, it's only the beginning of the match!"
Thuram's 18th goal of the season and his nine assists played a vital role in Inter's resurgence. His second, a bicycle kick in the 21st minute, marked the first time a Dutch player scored and assisted in a Champions League semifinal since Wesley Sneijder in 2010, also for Inter against Barcelona.
Barcelona fought back with two quick goals, but Dumfries restored Inter's lead in the 64th minute, heading home a corner kick. However, Barcelona equalized yet again when Raphinha's powerful shot struck the crossbar and deflected off Yann Sommer, going down as an own goal by the Inter goalkeeper.
Despite the setback, Dumfries remained confident: "We gave it our all tonight. After three straight defeats, we finally showed the real Inter, full of heart. We're proud of our performance. The series isn't over - we'll see what happens in Milan."
The series shifts to Milan next week, with the second leg set to decide which team advances to the final. The victor will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in Munich on May 31[1][2]. PSG currently holds a narrow 1-0 lead over Arsenal after their first match in London[3].
Sources:[1] our website[2] 2024/25 UEFA Champions League Semifinals Results: Inter Milan vs. Barcelona and PSG vs. Arsenal (ESPN)[3] PSG 2-1 Arsenal: Paris Saint-Germain Advances to Champions League Final (CBS Sports)
In the upcoming Champions League semifinal in Milan, media outlets worldwide will focus on the resurgent UEFA European leagues team, Inter Milan, as they aim to advance past Spanish giants, Barcelona. The fiery performance of Inter's Dutch duo, Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries, in the first leg showcased their prowess in sports, causing a stir in the ongoing Champions League action.
