On a thrilling night at the iconic San Siro, Inter Milan and Barcelona played to a dramatic 2-2 draw in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on May 6, 2025, leaving the aggregate score deadlocked at 5-5. The match was a showcase of footballing talent, with both sides exchanging blows in a contest that saw the lead change hands multiple times.
The first leg in Spain had ended in a high-octane 3-3 draw, setting the stage for an equally electrifying encounter in Milan. Inter Milan, buoyed by their home advantage, struck first when Lautaro Martinez capitalized on Barcelona's high defensive line, tapping in from close range to give the hosts a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute. This goal put Inter ahead 4-3 on aggregate, igniting the home crowd.
Just before halftime, Inter was awarded a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Hakan Calhanoglu. The Turkish midfielder stepped up and coolly converted, extending Inter's lead to 2-0 and 5-3 on aggregate. Calhanoglu's penalty marked his sixth successful spot-kick in the Champions League, maintaining his perfect record in the competition.
However, Barcelona was far from finished. The visitors responded with vigor after the break, and in the 54th minute, Eric Garcia scored a stunning volley that brought Barcelona back into the game, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. This goal was crucial, as it reinvigorated Barcelona's hopes of reaching the final.
Barcelona continued to press, and their persistence paid off in the 60th minute when Dani Olmo headed home from a perfectly placed cross, leveling the score at 2-2 and making it 5-5 on aggregate. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with fans from both sides on the edge of their seats.
The match saw a flurry of substitutions as both coaches sought to influence the outcome. Inter's coach Simone Inzaghi made tactical changes, substituting Mkhitaryan and Calhanoglu in the 81st minute for Frattesi and Zielinski, while Barcelona's Hansi Flick brought on Ronald Araujo for Inigo Martinez in the 77th minute to bolster their defense.
As the match progressed, tensions rose on the pitch. In the 70th minute, VAR intervened to overturn a penalty decision for Barcelona, ruling that the foul on Lamine Yamal occurred outside the box. This controversial decision left many fans and pundits debating the accuracy of the call.
Despite the setback, Barcelona maintained their attacking momentum, with Yamal, the 17-year-old sensation, proving to be a constant threat. His pace and skill had already caused havoc in the first leg, and he continued to trouble Inter's defense, nearly finding the net on several occasions.
Wayne Rooney, providing commentary for Amazon Prime, remarked on the intensity of the match, stating, "Inter have deserved the 2-0 lead. Barcelona's defending at times is crazy. Inter Milan, with composure and care on the pass, can go score two or three more goals." His insights highlighted the tactical battle unfolding on the pitch.
As the game approached its final minutes, both teams were desperate for a winner. Inter, who had not lost a Champions League match at home all season, looked to capitalize on their home advantage, while Barcelona sought to secure a place in the final, aiming for a quadruple this season after already winning the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey.
With the score level at 2-2, the match headed into extra time, where both teams would have one last chance to secure their spot in the final. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with the winner set to face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final later this month in Munich.
In a post-match interview, Dani Olmo expressed his determination, saying, "I want to win everything. At Barca, we have the team to be at this stage of the season with all of the trophies still to play for. We know what we want to do and we’re committed to that with the way we play." His words resonated with the ambition that has characterized Barcelona's season.
The match was broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video, allowing fans worldwide to witness this gripping contest. As the final whistle blew, the excitement and tension of the match lingered in the air, with both teams knowing that they had given their all in pursuit of Champions League glory.
In conclusion, the semi-final clash between Inter Milan and Barcelona was a testament to the drama and unpredictability of football. With the aggregate score tied at 5-5, both teams will have to regroup and prepare for the next phase of this thrilling tournament.
