Yamal earns praise after leading Barcelona's comeback against Inter.

Yamal earns praise after leading Barcelona's comeback against Inter.

Yamal Shines as Barcelona Fight Back in Champions League Thriller Against Inter

Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal received high praise from both managers after inspiring a remarkable comeback in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.

Marking his 100th appearance for Barcelona at just 17 years and 291 days old, Yamal etched his name into history as the youngest player ever to score in a Champions League semi-final, surpassing Kylian Mbappé's record set in 2017. His stunning solo goal helped breathe life into a struggling Barcelona side that had fallen 2-0 behind early in the first half.

“Lamine showed us the way with that incredible goal because it was crucial to score after falling two behind,” said Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick. “He played really well. In big games, as he has already shown, he always turns up.”

Yamal was a constant threat to the Inter Milan defence throughout the match, hitting the woodwork twice and forcing several key saves. His performance did not go unnoticed by Inter boss Simone Inzaghi, who admitted he had to alter his game plan at halftime to try and neutralize the young Spaniard.

“We had to be better on Lamine Yamal, but it's easier said than done,” Inzaghi said. “He is a player who impressed me — he created a lot of problems, especially in the last 30 minutes of the first half. He’s a talent that comes around every 50 years.”

Despite the intense pressure, Inter responded with resilience of their own, and the game ultimately finished level, setting up a mouth-watering second leg. But much of the spotlight remained on Yamal, whose maturity and skill on the grandest stage continue to draw comparisons with the game’s greats.