In a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Inter Milan faced off against Barcelona in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final on May 6, 2025. The match, which took place at the iconic San Siro, saw Inter Milan come back from the brink of defeat to secure a place in the final with a dramatic 4-3 victory after extra time, winning 7-6 on aggregate.
Inter Milan's star forward, Lautaro Martinez, made a timely return from injury to lead his team, partnering with Marcus Thuram. The match began with a bang, as Martinez scored the opening goal in the 21st minute, showcasing his striking prowess. Following a defensive lapse from Barcelona, Martinez capitalized on a pass from Denzel Dumfries, slotting the ball into the net with precision.
Just before halftime, Inter doubled their lead when Hakan Calhanoglu converted a penalty after Martinez was fouled in the box by Cubas. This put Inter Milan firmly in control at 2-0, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. However, the second half would bring a dramatic turn of events.
Barcelona, determined to turn the tide, came out strong after the break. Eric Garcia struck first for the visitors in the 54th minute, finishing off a well-placed cross from Ansu Fati. Just six minutes later, Dani Olmo equalized, making it 2-2 and igniting hopes of a Barcelona comeback.
As the match progressed, Barcelona continued to exert pressure, and in the 87th minute, Raphinha scored, putting the Catalan giants ahead 3-2. It seemed as though Barcelona had done enough to secure victory, but Inter Milan had other plans.
In a nail-biting finish, Francesco Acerbi found the back of the net in the second minute of stoppage time, equalizing for Inter at 3-3 and sending the match into extra time. The home fans erupted in celebration, knowing their team still had a chance.
Extra time saw both teams battling fiercely, but it was Davide Frattesi who emerged as the hero for Inter Milan. In the 99th minute, Frattesi scored the decisive goal, giving Inter a 4-3 lead. Barcelona pushed for another equalizer, but despite several close calls, including a missed header from Lewandowski, they could not find the net again.
With this victory, Inter Milan not only secured their place in the Champions League final but also dashed Barcelona's hopes of a treble this season. The aggregate score of 7-6 highlighted the intensity and competitiveness of the two-legged tie.
Inter Milan's performance is a testament to their resilience and determination, especially after having faced a tough season, including a recent three-match losing streak. Coach Simone Inzaghi will be thrilled with his team's ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
Looking ahead, Inter Milan will face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in the final, which promises to be another exciting clash. As for Barcelona, they will need to regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities if they wish to contend for titles in the future.
This match will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the great encounters in Champions League history, showcasing the drama and unpredictability that football fans cherish. With stars like Martinez and Frattesi stepping up when it counted, the future looks bright for Inter Milan as they aim for European glory once again.
