In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, Inter Milan triumphed over Barcelona in a dramatic Champions League semi-final match on May 6, 2025, winning 4-3 in extra time and securing a 7-6 aggregate victory to advance to the finals. This victory marks Inter's seventh appearance in the Champions League final, where they will face the winner of the Paris Saint-Germain versus Arsenal match.
The match unfolded at San Siro, with both teams showcasing their strengths. Inter Milan had previously drawn 3-3 with Barcelona in the first leg, setting the stage for an intense return leg. The home team started strong, taking a 2-0 lead before halftime. Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring in the 21st minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Barcelona. Dimaerco's through ball found Dumfries, who assisted Martinez for the crucial first goal. This marked the first of six consecutive Champions League matches in which Martinez found the net, making him the first player in Inter Milan's history to achieve such a feat.
As the first half progressed, Inter's momentum continued when Hakan Çalhanoğlu converted a penalty in the 41st minute after a VAR review determined that Martinez had been fouled in the box. With a 2-0 lead, it seemed Inter was firmly on the path to victory, but Barcelona had other plans.
After the break, Barcelona launched a fierce comeback, with Gerard Martin assisting Eric Garcia to score in the 54th minute. Just six minutes later, Martin was involved again, this time setting up Aouar for a header that leveled the score at 2-2. The tension in the stadium was palpable as both teams traded blows on the pitch.
Barcelona took the lead for the first time in the match in the 87th minute when Raphinha scored, giving them a 3-2 advantage. However, Inter was not done yet. In a stunning turn of events, Dumfries assisted Acerbi in the 93rd minute, allowing Inter to equalize at 3-3 and push the match into extra time.
The extra time saw both teams fighting hard for dominance, but it was Inter Milan who struck first. In the 9th minute of extra time, Frattesi scored after a clever pass from Thuram, putting Inter ahead 4-3. The goal sent the San Siro into a frenzy as fans celebrated their team's resilience.
Inter's victory was not just about the scoreline; it was also a testament to their attacking prowess this season. With 26 goals in the Champions League, they have matched their own record for the most goals in a single season. Moreover, this match's four goals represent the highest number of goals scored by Inter in a single Champions League knockout match in their history.
Meanwhile, Barcelona's season has been marked by defensive struggles, having conceded 24 goals in 14 Champions League matches, averaging 1.71 goals against per game. This is an unprecedented statistic for a team that has reached the semi-finals.
As Inter Milan celebrates their hard-fought victory, they look ahead to the final, where they aim to claim their first Champions League title since their last final appearance, where they lost 1-0 to Manchester City. The anticipation is building as fans eagerly await the showdown against either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal.
The stakes are high, not just for the teams involved but for the league as well. In Serie A, the title race continues with Napoli leading by three points over Inter, making every match critical as the season nears its end. With three rounds remaining, the competition remains fierce, and the outcome could very well lead to a historical play-off if teams finish level on points.
In conclusion, Inter Milan's thrilling victory over Barcelona not only secures their place in the Champions League final but also highlights their determination and skill as they navigate a challenging season. Fans can only wait in anticipation as the final approaches, eager to see if their team can lift the coveted trophy once again.
