In a thrilling second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final, Barcelona staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Inter Milan 3-2 at the San Siro on May 6, 2025. This victory allowed Barcelona to advance to the final with a 6-5 aggregate score, marking a significant moment as they seek their first Champions League title in a decade.
The match began with Inter Milan taking an early lead, as Lautaro Martinez scored in the 21st minute. The Argentine striker capitalized on a fast break, slotting the ball past Barcelona's goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny after a well-placed assist from Denzel Dumfries. Just before halftime, Inter doubled their advantage when Hakan Calhanoglu converted a penalty in the 45+1 minute, putting the hosts up 2-0 and seemingly in control of the tie.
However, the second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Barcelona, facing elimination, responded with vigor. Eric Garcia ignited the comeback in the 54th minute, scoring a stunning volley to bring the score to 2-1. Just six minutes later, Dani Olmo leveled the match at 2-2 with a powerful header from a perfect cross, showcasing Barcelona's resilience and determination.
As the match approached its final moments, Barcelona's Raphinha delivered the decisive blow. In the 87th minute, he scored after a chaotic sequence in the Inter box, firing his shot past Yann Sommer to complete the comeback and give Barcelona a 3-2 lead. With this goal, Raphinha not only secured the win but also etched his name into the club's storied history.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, reflecting the high stakes of the Champions League. Inter Milan, who had dominated the first half, struggled to maintain their lead as Barcelona's attacking prowess became increasingly evident. Despite their early success, Inter's defense faltered under pressure, allowing Barcelona to exploit gaps and capitalize on opportunities.
Barcelona's coach, Hansi Flick, praised his team's fighting spirit, stating, "We showed incredible character to come back from two goals down. The players believed in themselves and delivered when it mattered most." Flick's tactical adjustments in the second half proved crucial, as Barcelona shifted to a more aggressive approach, putting Inter on the back foot.
On the other side, Inter's coach Simone Inzaghi expressed disappointment at the result but acknowledged the quality of Barcelona's performance. "We started strong, but we couldn't handle the pressure in the second half. Barcelona showed why they are one of the best teams in Europe," he remarked.
The match was not without controversy, as a potential penalty for Barcelona was overturned after a VAR review in the 69th minute. Lamine Yamal was brought down by Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but the referee determined the foul occurred just outside the box. This decision was pivotal, as it allowed Inter to regroup and maintain their lead momentarily.
As the final whistle blew, the San Siro erupted in disbelief. Inter's hopes of returning to the Champions League final were dashed, while Barcelona celebrated a crucial victory that propels them into the final on May 31 in Munich, where they will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal, who play their second leg tomorrow night.
Barcelona's historic journey in this season's Champions League has been marked by resilience and determination. After a challenging few years in the competition, this victory signifies a potential resurgence for the club. With key players like Raphinha and Olmo stepping up, Barcelona's attacking depth has become a formidable force.
Looking ahead, the final presents a significant opportunity for Barcelona to reclaim their place at the top of European football. As they prepare for this crucial match, the team's confidence will be bolstered by their recent performance against Inter. The prospect of lifting the Champions League trophy again after ten years adds extra motivation for the players and fans alike.
In conclusion, the second leg of the Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Inter Milan was a thrilling encounter that showcased the drama and excitement of football at its highest level. Barcelona's comeback victory not only secured their place in the final but also reaffirmed their status as one of the elite clubs in European football.
