In one of the most thrilling matches of the UEFA Champions League, Inter Milan triumphed over FC Barcelona with a score of 4-3 in a dramatic semifinal encounter held at the iconic Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan on May 6, 2025. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams displaying their attacking prowess and resilience.
Inter started strong, taking a commanding lead with two goals in the first half. Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, finishing off a well-placed assist from Denzel Dumfries. Just before halftime, Hakan Calhanoglu doubled the lead by converting a penalty awarded after Lautaro was fouled in the box, sending the teams into the break with Inter leading 2-0.
However, the second half saw a remarkable turnaround as Barcelona mounted a fierce comeback. Eric Garcia pulled one back for the Catalans in the 54th minute, scoring with a precise shot that beat Inter's goalkeeper Yann Sommer. Six minutes later, Dani Olmo leveled the game at 2-2, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Inter.
As the match progressed, the tension escalated. Raphinha put Barcelona ahead in the 87th minute, seemingly sealing the fate of the Nerazzurri. But Inter was not done yet. In a dramatic twist, Francesco Acerbi equalized in the dying moments of regulation time, scoring a stunning goal in the 93rd minute that sent the match into extra time with the score tied at 3-3.
With both teams exhausted but determined, the first half of extra time proved decisive. Davide Frattesi emerged as the hero for Inter, scoring the winning goal in the 99th minute. After a clever setup from Mehdi Taremi, Frattesi struck a low shot into the bottom corner, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
Throughout the match, Sommer was instrumental for Inter, making several crucial saves, particularly against Barcelona's young star Lamine Yamal, who posed a constant threat. The final whistle confirmed Inter's 4-3 victory, securing their place in the Champions League final for the second time in three years.
Inter's head coach, Simone Inzaghi, expressed his pride in the team's performance, stating, "We showed great character and determination. This victory is for our fans who supported us throughout the match." Meanwhile, Barcelona's manager Hans-Dieter Flick acknowledged the intensity of the match, saying, "It was a tough battle, and unfortunately, we couldn't hold on to our lead. We must learn from this experience."
With this win, Inter will face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, scheduled for May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The anticipation is already building as fans eagerly await what promises to be an unforgettable showdown.
As the dust settles on this extraordinary match, one thing is clear: Inter Milan has proven once again that they are a force to be reckoned with in European football, and their journey to reclaim the Champions League title continues.
