Dumfries, Thuram key in Inter’s historic win

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Inter are in the UEFA Champions League final, and it’s down to the decisive performances of Denzel Dumfries and Marcus Thuram, writes Dylan Johnson.

Inter Milan will appear in their second final since 2023, after edging out Barcelona 7–6 on aggregate in a semi-final that will be remembered for years. Dumfries and Thuram were at the heart of it all, dragging Inter through two brutal legs with standout performances that defined the tie.

Dumfries was superb. He dominated at both ends of the pitch, scoring twice and providing three assists across the two matches. His first-leg display in Barcelona was one of the most complete performances from a fullback in Champions League semi-final history.

He opened the game with an assist to Thuram, scored a scissor-kick, and later headed in a third goal. At San Siro, he delivered again, setting up Lautaro Martínez for the opener and then, deep into stoppage time, firing in the cross that Francesco Acerbi buried to force extra time. Dumfries was relentless, his energy and precision giving Inter the cutting edge when it mattered most.

Thuram’s contribution was just as crucial, though it didn’t always show on the scoresheet. His off-the-ball work was constant. He held up play, gave Inter’s midfielders and defenders time to breathe, and helped drag the team forward during difficult spells. His game resembled a prime Didier Drogba—unselfish, physical, and relentless.

It was fitting that it was Thuram who set up the winner. After beating his marker inside the box, he laid the ball off to Davide Frattesi, whose finish sent the San Siro into chaos. As much as individual brilliance shaped the tie, it was the collective effort—driven by Thuram, Dumfries, and others—that pushed Inter past the favourites.

Barcelona had been tipped to reach the final. But they were caught off guard by Inter’s resilience, intensity, and mental strength. Yann Sommer made critical saves, the forwards were ruthless, and the midfield never stopped running, even as the momentum swung.

Barcelona came close. They went ahead late in the second leg through Raphinha and seemed set for the final. But Inter responded, and they refused to collapse. Pulled forward by Dumfries and Thuram, they showed why they deserve another shot at European glory. Whether they face PSG or Arsenal in Munich, Inter will believe they can claim their first title since Jose Mourinho’s success in 2010.

For Barcelona, the tie ended in heartbreak. But Lamine Yamal showed why he is seen as their next great star. The 17-year-old scored in the first leg and came inches from winning the tie in the second, denied only by Sommer and the woodwork. He gave Inter’s defence problems all night. Bastoni and Dimarco struggled to contain him. Yamal didn’t get the outcome he wanted, but his performance left no doubt about his future. If this is a glimpse of what’s to come, Barcelona will build around him for years. A Champions League title may have to wait, but it feels like only a matter of time.

Photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images

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Dylan Johnson