In a thrilling encounter at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Inter Milan edged out Barcelona 4-3 after extra time in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals on May 6, 2025. This match was the culmination of a gripping two-legged tie that had started with a 3-3 draw in the first leg, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown.
The match kicked off at 10:00 PM Mecca time, with both teams eager to secure their place in the final. Fans around the world tuned in to witness what promised to be a captivating contest, and they were not disappointed. Inter Milan came into the match looking to capitalize on their home advantage, while Barcelona aimed to overturn the first leg's result.
From the outset, the match was intense, with play concentrated in the midfield for the first few minutes. It wasn't until the 21st minute that the deadlock was broken. Lautaro Martinez found the back of the net, giving Inter a crucial early lead. The home crowd erupted as the Argentine striker celebrated his goal, putting Inter ahead 1-0.
Barcelona responded with determination, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances in the opening half. Inter Milan doubled their lead just before halftime when Hakan Çalhanoğlu converted a penalty in the 45th minute, leaving Barcelona trailing 2-0 at the break.
As the second half commenced, Barcelona knew they needed to respond quickly. In the 54th minute, Eric Garcia scored the first goal for the visitors, bringing the score to 2-1. This goal ignited hope among Barcelona fans, who believed their team could mount a comeback.
Just six minutes later, in the 60th minute, Barcelona's Dany Olmo leveled the match at 2-2 with a powerful header, and the momentum had shifted dramatically. The Catalan club was now in full attack mode, seeking to snatch a victory that would secure their place in the final.
Barcelona continued to press, with Lamine Yamal coming close to scoring on several occasions. In the 77th minute, Yamal's stunning shot was saved by Inter's goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, who was proving to be a key figure in the match. However, the relentless pressure from Barcelona finally paid off when Rafinha scored a dramatic late goal in the 87th minute, completing the comeback and putting Barcelona ahead 3-2.
But the drama was far from over. In a twist of fate, Inter Milan's Francesco Acerbi scored a last-minute equalizer in stoppage time, leveling the match at 3-3 and sending it into extra time. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as fans on both sides held their breath, knowing that the next goal could determine the outcome of the tie.
During the first half of extra time, both teams exchanged chances, but it was Inter Milan who struck first. In the 99th minute, Davide Frattesi scored, putting Inter ahead 4-3. The home fans erupted in joy as their team regained the lead.
Barcelona, now trailing again, pushed forward desperately in search of another equalizer. They came close on several occasions, with Sommer making critical saves to deny them. The match continued to unfold with tension as both teams fought fiercely for control.
Despite Barcelona's valiant efforts, they could not find the back of the net again. Inter Milan held on to their lead, and as the final whistle blew, the score remained 4-3 in favor of the home team. With this victory, Inter Milan advanced to the UEFA Champions League final, a feat that marked a significant achievement for the club.
Following the match, Inter's coach expressed pride in his team's resilience, stating, "We showed great character and determination to come back and win after being down. This victory is a testament to our hard work and belief in each other." Meanwhile, Barcelona's coach acknowledged the disappointment but remained optimistic about the future, saying, "We fought hard and showed our quality, but it wasn't enough today. We'll learn from this experience and come back stronger next season."
This match will certainly be remembered as one of the most thrilling encounters in recent Champions League history, showcasing the drama and excitement that European football can deliver. With Inter Milan now looking ahead to the final, the football world eagerly anticipates who they will face in the quest for European glory.
