Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries made a triumphant return to action, reigniting Inter Milan’s attack in a pulsating 3-3 draw against Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal on Wednesday.
After a three-match winless streak without scoring—Inter’s worst run in over 13 years—the Nerazzurri rediscovered their attacking spark, thanks to the influential duo. Dumfries, who had been sidelined for eight matches with a hamstring injury, delivered a standout performance, scoring twice and assisting Thuram’s early opener.
“It was a tough period with the injury, but I’m thrilled to be back,” Dumfries told Amazon Prime. “This was definitely a memorable return.”
Thuram, who had missed Inter’s previous three games due to a thigh issue, made an instant impact, flicking in Dumfries’ cross just seconds after kickoff. The goal set the tone for an electrifying encounter at Camp Nou.
Despite his son’s brilliant finish, former Barcelona defender Lilian Thuram remained composed in the stands. “He’s a tough critic—always pushing me for more,” Thuram joked. “I’m sure he was pleased, but the game had just begun. At this stage of the season, you give everything for the shirt, even if you’re not at 100%.”
Dumfries extended Inter’s lead in the 21st minute with a spectacular bicycle kick, becoming the first Dutch player since Wesley Sneijder (also for Inter against Barcelona in 2010) to both score and assist in a Champions League semifinal.
Barcelona fought back before halftime, with Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres leveling the score. But Dumfries struck again in the 64th minute, heading in a corner to restore Inter’s lead.
However, Barcelona responded swiftly when Raphinha’s thunderous strike hit the crossbar and deflected in off goalkeeper Yann Sommer, sealing the 3-3 draw.
“We showed our true character after three straight defeats,” Dumfries said. “It was a strong performance, and the tie is wide open for the second leg.”
Inter manager Simone Inzaghi praised his returning stars: “We missed Thuram and Dumfries. Thuram only trained yesterday, and Dumfries just came back—yet they delivered brilliantly.”
The second leg will take place at San Siro next week, with the winner advancing to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the final on May 31. PSG holds a narrow 1-0 lead after their first-leg victory in London.
