In a thrilling display of football prowess, Inter Milan has secured its place in the UEFA Champions League final after a dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory over Barcelona at the San Siro on May 6, 2025. This victory, which resulted in a 7-6 aggregate win, has reignited hopes for the seven-time finalists, who last reached the title match in 2023. With their eyes set on a fourth European crown, Inter will now prepare to face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in the final at Munich's Allianz Arena on May 31.
The match itself was a rollercoaster, starting with Lautaro Martinez opening the scoring in the 21st minute. He capitalized on a defensive error by Frenkie de Jong, finishing from close range after Federico Dimarco dispossessed the Barcelona midfielder. Just before halftime, Martinez won a penalty, which Hakan Calhanoglu confidently converted, giving Inter a commanding 2-0 lead.
However, Barcelona was not ready to concede defeat. The visitors mounted a fierce comeback in the second half, beginning with Eric Garcia's volley from a Gerard Martin cross in the 54th minute. Just six minutes later, Dani Olmo leveled the match with a powerful header, showcasing the resilience of the Catalan side.
As the match neared its conclusion, Raphinha appeared to have sealed the victory for Barcelona in the 87th minute, tapping in a rebound to put the visitors ahead 3-2. But Inter's fighting spirit shone through in stoppage time when Francesco Acerbi scored, forcing the match into extra time and reigniting the home crowd's hopes.
The decisive moment came in the 99th minute when Marcus Thuram broke down the right flank and set up Mehdi Taremi, who laid it off to Davide Frattesi. The Italian midfielder curled a stunning shot into the far corner, completing Inter's remarkable comeback and securing their place in the final.
This two-legged semifinal tie produced a record-equalling 13 goals, showcasing the attacking talents of both teams. Inter Milan's previous triumphs in the competition came in 1964, 1965, and 2010, and they will be eager to add another trophy to their cabinet.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain is also making headlines as they prepare for their crucial semifinal clash against Arsenal. The first leg, held last week, ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for PSG, thanks to a goal from Ousmane Dembélé. The return match is set for May 7, 2025, at 16:00 (Brasília time) at the Parc des Princes.
PSG's coach, Luis Enrique, who has been at the helm since mid-2023, expressed confidence in his team's ability to advance. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the trust of their supporters and the need for emotional intelligence on the pitch. "We won the first game, and our goal is to win the second. There are many factors that can be decisive, but we need to show the confidence our fans have in us," Enrique stated. He also highlighted the need to stay true to their game plan and exploit their strengths.
Enrique, who previously played alongside Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta at Barcelona, spoke highly of his compatriot, recalling their time together. "I remember Mikel as a strong personality and a great player. He is doing an excellent job at Arsenal, and we know this match will be challenging, just like the first leg was," he remarked.
The anticipation builds as PSG aims to secure a spot in the final, where they could meet Inter Milan, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown. Fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this matchup, with both teams showcasing their determination to lift the prestigious trophy.
In a humorous twist, a Nigerian doctor recently went viral for mocking a self-proclaimed prophet whose prediction of a Champions League final between PSG and Barcelona fell flat. The prophet had confidently stated that both teams would win their quarter-final matches, but with Barcelona eliminated by Inter Milan, the prophecy was proven false. The doctor quipped, "Baba dey describe Champions League games like action film wey he watch for cinema dey gist his friends wey never see am. And all na just lies and whyning," highlighting the playful banter among football fans enjoying the drama of the Champions League.
As the Champions League draws closer to its climax, the excitement continues to build. With Inter Milan already through to the final and PSG and Arsenal set to battle it out, the stage is perfectly set for what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion to this season's tournament.
