In a thrilling UEFA Champions League semi-final clash that will be remembered for its intensity and drama, Inter Milan triumphed over Barcelona with a 4-3 victory at San Siro on May 6, 2025, securing a 7-6 aggregate win to advance to the final. The match featured a controversial incident involving Iñigo Martínez and Francesco Acerbi, which added to the heated atmosphere of the encounter.
The stage was set for a classic showdown as both teams entered the second leg with high stakes. After a 3-3 draw in the first leg, the winner of this match would book a place in the final in Munich. Inter, managed by Simone Inzaghi, had been battling for the Scudetto against Napoli in Serie A, while Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, aimed to maintain their lead in La Liga after a recent victory over Real Valladolid.
As the match kicked off, both teams showed their determination, but it was Inter who struck first. In the 21st minute, Denzel Dumfries sprung the offside trap to set up Lautaro Martínez, who slotted the ball into an empty net, sending the home fans into a frenzy. With the score at 1-0, Inter was in control, looking to capitalize on their early lead.
The tension escalated just before halftime when Hakan Çalhanoğlu converted a penalty awarded after a VAR review determined that Iñigo Martínez had fouled Lautaro. The penalty was a crucial moment, pushing Inter's lead to 2-0 and giving them a significant advantage in the tie. However, the incident sparked controversy, with Acerbi visibly upset and gesturing towards the referee, claiming that Martínez had spat at him during the altercation. Despite the uproar, referee Szymon Marciniak and his VAR team chose to ignore the incident and allowed play to continue.
Barcelona, trailing 2-0, regrouped at halftime and came out with renewed vigor after the break. Eric Garcia's volley in the 55th minute halved the deficit, igniting hopes for the visitors. Just five minutes later, Dani Olmo leveled the score with a close-range header from a Gerard Martin cross, making it 2-2 and sending the traveling supporters into jubilation.
As the match progressed, Barcelona took the lead for the first time. In the 87th minute, Raphinha lashed the ball past Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, putting the score at 3-2 in favor of the visitors. With just minutes left on the clock, it seemed as though Barcelona had secured their place in the final. However, Inter had other plans.
In a dramatic twist, Francesco Acerbi scored in the 93rd minute, leveling the match at 3-3 and forcing extra time. The goal was a result of a well-placed cross from Dumfries, expertly finished by Acerbi, who had earlier been involved in the controversy with Martínez. The San Siro erupted as the home side celebrated their last-minute equalizer.
Extra time saw both teams pushing for a decisive goal. Inter took the lead once again in the 106th minute when Davide Frattesi scored the winner, finishing brilliantly after a setup from Mehdi Taremi. The atmosphere was electric as the home fans celebrated, knowing that they were just minutes away from securing a spot in the final.
Despite pressure from Barcelona, including a header from substitute Robert Lewandowski and a testing shot from Lamine Yamal, Inter held firm in defense. The final whistle blew, confirming Inter's place in the Champions League final on May 31, 2025, where they will seek to lift the trophy for the second time in three years.
This match will undoubtedly be remembered not only for the thrilling football but also for the intense emotions and controversies that unfolded on the pitch. Following the match, both managers spoke about the importance of the victory for their respective clubs. Inzaghi expressed pride in his team's resilience, while Flick acknowledged the challenges faced by Barcelona.
As the football world turns its eyes to the final, the focus will be on Inter's ability to continue their momentum and the potential impact of the controversies that marred their semi-final clash. Fans eagerly await to see if Inter can capitalize on this victory and claim the prestigious title once again.
