In a thrilling encounter at the San Siro, Barcelona staged a remarkable comeback to draw 2-2 with Inter Milan in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on May 6, 2025. The match started poorly for the Catalan giants, who found themselves trailing 2-0 at halftime after a lackluster performance in the first half. However, a spirited second-half display saw them equalize, keeping their hopes alive for a place in the final.
Barcelona, under the guidance of coach Hansi Flick, needed to win to secure a spot in the Champions League final, but the opening 20 minutes were fraught with difficulties. The first blow came when Lautaro Martinez capitalized on a mistake by Dani Olmo, who lost possession in midfield. Denzel Dumfries made a precise pass to Martinez, who scored into an empty net, despite concerns he might miss the match due to an injury sustained in the first leg. This goal set the tone for a challenging start for Barcelona.
Just before the halftime whistle, Inter doubled their lead. In the 42nd minute, Pau Cubarsi was penalized for bringing down Martinez in the box, leading to a penalty awarded after a VAR review. Hakan Calhanoglu stepped up and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom-left corner, putting Inter ahead 2-0 and leaving Barcelona with a mountain to climb.
As the second half commenced, Barcelona knew they had to respond quickly. And respond they did. Just nine minutes into the half, Eric Garcia volleyed home a stunning goal, expertly finishing off a cross from Gerard Martin. The goal ignited hope among the Barcelona fans, who had been silenced in the first half. The score was now 2-1, and the momentum began to shift.
Barcelona continued to push forward, and in the 60th minute, they found the equalizer. Dani Olmo, who had earlier made a costly mistake, redeemed himself by scoring a powerful header from another assist by Gerard Martin. The match was now tied at 2-2, and Barcelona had leveled the aggregate score at 5-5, making it a thrilling contest.
With the scoreline balanced, the atmosphere in the stadium became electric. Barcelona's players, buoyed by their comeback, pressed for a winning goal, while Inter began to show signs of nerves. The visitors had turned the tide, and the once-dominant Inter side seemed to falter under pressure.
Despite several opportunities from both teams, including a close call for Inter when Mkhitaryan and Dumfries threatened, the match remained level. Barcelona's fans were on the edge of their seats as their team fought valiantly to secure a place in the final.
As the clock ticked down, both teams exchanged chances, but neither could find the decisive goal. Barcelona's resurgence in the second half was commendable, showcasing their resilience and determination to overturn the deficit. Inter's head coach, Simone Inzaghi, and his players celebrated at the final whistle, knowing they had managed to hold on to a critical draw.
The match ended in a draw, but the aggregate score of 5-5 meant that Inter advanced to the final on away goals, leaving Barcelona heartbroken. The Catalans had fought back from a two-goal deficit, but it was not enough to secure their place in the final.
This semi-final clash will be remembered for its drama and intensity, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football. Barcelona's journey in the Champions League continues to be a story of highs and lows, and while they showed great character in Milan, they will be left to ponder what could have been.
Looking ahead, Barcelona will need to regroup and reflect on their performance as they prepare for the next chapter in their season. The return of key players like Robert Lewandowski will be crucial, and fans will be eager to see how the team responds to this heart-wrenching exit.
As for Inter, they will head to the final with confidence, buoyed by their ability to withstand pressure and capitalize on their chances. The Italian side will be keen to turn their semi-final success into silverware, and with their current form, they will be a formidable opponent.
