The UEFA Champions League semifinal clash between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona at the iconic San Siro on May 6, 2025, was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, culminating in a thrilling 4-3 victory for the Italian side after extra time. The match was a testament to the intensity and unpredictability that European football is known for, as both teams displayed remarkable skill and determination throughout the contest.
Inter started strong, with Lautaro Martínez finding the net in the 20th minute, giving the home side an early advantage. The excitement continued to build as Hakan Çalhanoğlu converted a penalty just before halftime, making it 2-0 and putting Barcelona on the back foot. However, the resilient Catalan side was far from finished.
Barcelona came out firing in the second half, with Eric García scoring just eight minutes after the break, followed by Dani Olmo equalizing in the 59th minute, igniting hopes of a comeback. The match swung back and forth with both teams creating chances, but it was Barcelona who took the lead for the first time when Raphinha scored in the 68th minute, making it 3-2.
Just when it seemed that Barcelona had the match in their grasp, Inter struck back with Francesco Acerbi equalizing in the 93rd minute, sending the game into extra time. The tension in the stadium was palpable as fans of both clubs held their breath, knowing that one mistake could decide the fate of their teams.
In the extra period, Inter regained their composure and dominance, and Davide Frattesi netted the decisive goal that ultimately sealed Barcelona's fate, eliminating them from the Champions League. The final whistle blew, and the scoreline read 4-3 in favor of Inter, a result that left the Barcelona players and fans in disbelief.
Post-match reactions focused heavily on the officiating of referee Szymon Marciniak, with Barcelona's head coach Hansi Flick expressing his disappointment. "We thought the result was unjust due to some key decisions by the referee. Every 50-50 call seemed to go their way, which is what saddens me," Flick stated, emphasizing the frustration felt within the Barcelona camp.
Eric García, who scored for Barcelona, also weighed in on the officiating, recalling past encounters with Marciniak. "Everyone knows what happened with this referee last time. But we must be proud of what we've achieved," he remarked, highlighting the team's effort despite the controversial decisions.
Ronald Araujo, who played a pivotal role in the defense, noted a critical moment leading up to Inter's equalizer. "I believe Gerard Martín was fouled before their 3-3 goal. The referee influenced the result, but we shouldn't look for excuses. Our mentality is strong, and this generation will come back next year," he said, reflecting the team's determination to bounce back.
The match was filled with contentious moments, including a potential penalty for Barcelona in the 68th minute that was overturned after VAR review. Initially awarded for a foul on Lamine Yamal, the decision was changed, leading to further frustrations among the Barcelona players and supporters.
As the dust settled on this dramatic encounter, the sense of heartbreak was palpable for Barcelona. They had come so close to reaching the Champions League final for the first time in a decade, only to be thwarted in the dying moments of regulation and then in extra time.
Barcelona's elimination has sparked discussions about the future of the team, especially considering the contributions of young stars like Lamine Yamal, who has already made a significant impact at just 17 years old. With 20 goals and 33 assists in his first 100 matches, many are drawing comparisons to legends of the game.
Despite the setback, the performance in this semifinal showcased Barcelona's potential and resilience. They managed to rally from a two-goal deficit and were on the brink of victory before the late drama unfolded. The match statistics reflected a competitive battle, with Barcelona holding 38% possession compared to Inter's 62%, and both teams registering four shots on target.
As the football world reflects on this thrilling semifinal, the focus will now shift to the final, where Inter will await their opponent, either Arsenal or PSG. For Barcelona, it’s back to the drawing board, as they aim to regroup and return stronger for the next season. The journey of this young team, led by Hansi Flick, is just beginning, and the determination to reclaim their place among Europe’s elite remains unwavering.
With the final score settling at 4-3 in favor of Inter, the match will be remembered not just for the goals and the drama, but also for the lessons learned and the spirit shown by both teams. Football, as always, delivers moments of heartbreak and triumph, and this match was a vivid reminder of why fans around the world are so passionate about the beautiful game.
