Inter's Thuram returns from injury, scores 30 seconds into Barca clash

Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram started against Barcelona in the Champions League semifinal first-leg clash on Wednesday after recovering from a thigh problem.

It took him just 30 seconds to mark his return with a goal, giving him the fastest goal in a semifinal in Champions League history.

The Italian champions were without the French forward for a run of three consecutive defeats which shattered their treble ambitions in April.

Benjamin Pavard missed out for Inter with an ankle problem, with German centre-back Yann Bisseck stepping into the back three in his stead.

Denzel Dumfries started after a substitute appearance in the defeat by Roma on Sunday after returning from a hamstring issue.

Hosts Barcelona maintained the same side which defeated Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday to claim the club's second trophy of the season.

Barca, without injured top goalscorer Robert Lewandowski and left-back Alejandro Balde, lined up with Ferran Torres in the centre of the attack and Gerard Martin at left-back at the Olympic stadium.

Coach Hansi Flick keeps faith in Dani Olmo over Fermin Lopez and Gavi in attacking midfield as the five-time winners aim for a first return to the final since 2015.

Barcelona (4-3-3)

Wojciech Szczesny; Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Gerard Martin; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri Gonzalez, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Raphinha

Coach: Hansi Flick (GER)

Inter Milan (3-5-2)

Yann Sommer; Yann Bisseck, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco; Marcus Thuram, Lautaro Martinez

Coach: Simone Inzaghi (ITA)

Referee: Clement Turpin (FRA)