On May 6, 2025, the UEFA Champions League semi-final returned to the iconic San Siro stadium as Inter Milan faced off against Barcelona in a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats. With both teams having drawn their first leg 3-3, the stage was set for a dramatic showdown where every goal mattered.
The match kicked off at 22:00 Moscow time, and it didn’t take long for the action to heat up. Lautaro Martinez, who had recently recovered from injury, was back on the pitch for Inter, while Barcelona's star striker Robert Lewandowski started on the bench, still regaining his fitness. The starting lineups for both teams were as follows:
Inter: Sommer, Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco, Martinez, Thuram.
Barcelona: Schesny, Garcia, Kubarsi, Martinez, Martin, De Jong, Pedri, Olmo, Yamal, Rafinha, Torres.
As the match unfolded, it was clear that both teams were eager to assert their dominance. Inter started strongly, with a flurry of attacks that put pressure on the Barcelona defense. However, it was Barcelona who struck first, with Rafinha finding the net to give the visitors a crucial lead. But Inter was quick to respond, and in a dramatic turn of events, Acerbi equalized in the dying moments of the first half, making it 1-1.
As the second half commenced, the intensity only increased. Inter's Dumfries, who had been a thorn in Barcelona's side throughout the match, scored to put the hosts ahead 2-1. Yet again, Barcelona showcased their resilience, with Rafinha's relentless pursuit leading to a second goal, leveling the score at 2-2.
The match reached a fever pitch as both teams exchanged blows. Dumfries scored his second of the night, giving Inter a 3-2 advantage, but the drama wasn’t over. An unfortunate own goal by Inter's goalkeeper Sommer allowed Barcelona to equalize once more, bringing the score to 3-3.
With the match tied at the end of regular time, the stage was set for extra time. Fans inside the stadium were on their feet, chanting and cheering as the tension in the air was palpable. The referee, Szymon Marciniak from Poland, signaled the start of the first extra period, and both teams were determined to find a decisive goal.
In the first half of extra time, opportunities came and went. Inter's players pushed forward, seeking to capitalize on their home advantage, while Barcelona remained dangerous on the counter-attack. The match was a true showcase of skill, determination, and tactical prowess. Inter's defense held firm against Barcelona's relentless attacks, but the visitors were equally resolute, denying Inter any clear-cut chances.
As the minutes ticked down, it became increasingly clear that both teams were battling fatigue as much as they were each other. The players gave their all, with every tackle, every pass, and every shot carrying the weight of their respective clubs' hopes and dreams.
Ultimately, the match ended in yet another stalemate, with the final score standing at 3-3. Both teams had shown flashes of brilliance, but neither could secure the victory in this nail-biting encounter. The aggregate score over the two legs remained tied, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout that would determine who would advance to the Champions League final.
Inter Milan had come into the semi-finals with a strong showing, defeating Feyenoord 2-0 in Rotterdam and 2-1 at home in the Round of 16, followed by a fierce battle against Bayern Munich, where they won 2-1 away and drew 2-2 at home. Barcelona, on the other hand, had also proven their mettle, overcoming Benfica with a 1-0 win in Lisbon and a 3-1 victory at home, followed by a commanding performance against Borussia Dortmund, winning 4-0 at home and 1-3 in Germany.
Historically, the rivalry between Inter and Barcelona has been intense, with 13 matches played between the two clubs. Barcelona has emerged victorious six times, while Inter has won twice, with five matches ending in draws. This latest encounter added another chapter to their storied rivalry, highlighting the competitive spirit of both teams.
As the players prepared for the penalty shootout, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric. Fans from both sides were on the edge of their seats, knowing that the next few moments could decide their team's fate in the prestigious tournament. With the Champions League final on the line, every kick would count, and the pressure was immense.
In the end, the match served as a reminder of why football is revered worldwide. With skill, drama, and unyielding determination, both Inter and Barcelona left it all on the pitch, and fans could only hope for more of the same in the next leg of this thrilling semi-final.
