In an electrifying Champions League semi-final clash, Inter Milan triumphed over FC Barcelona with a thrilling 4-3 victory at the iconic San Siro on May 6, 2025. The match, which kept 75,000 fans on the edge of their seats, showcased a breathtaking display of football that will be remembered for years to come.
The first leg of this semi-final had ended in a gripping 3-3 draw in Barcelona, setting the stage for an epic showdown in Milan. With both teams boasting a rich history and fierce rivalry, expectations were high, and they did not disappoint. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the lead changing hands multiple times.
Inter Milan's second-string striker, Mehdi Taremi, played a crucial role despite not finding the back of the net. The 32-year-old, who had previously struggled to make an impact at Inter after a successful stint at Porto, was described as fighting like a 'gladiator' throughout the match. His tenacity and ability to hold onto the ball provided essential support for his teammates, particularly in staving off Barcelona's relentless attacks.
Simone Inzaghi, Inter's head coach, praised his team's performance, stating, "It took an exceptional Inter team to beat this Barcelona side. We played two fierce matches, and the guys were fantastic." His counterpart, Hansi Flick, echoed similar sentiments, saying, "Every player can look in the mirror proudly after tonight's game."
The match was marked by a series of dramatic twists. Inter surged ahead with a 2-0 lead, only for Barcelona to respond with two quick goals, leveling the score at 2-2 within a span of just six minutes. The back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans guessing, and it was clear that both teams were determined to secure a place in the final.
One of the standout performers of the night was Denzel Dumfries, who became only the fourth player in Champions League history to record two goals and two assists in a semi-final, joining an elite group that includes legends like Alessandro Del Piero and Mohamed Salah. "Another crazy match! Seven goals today, it was incredible," Dumfries exclaimed after the game.
Raphinha also made headlines by scoring his 13th goal of the tournament, bringing his total contributions to an astonishing 21 goals, a feat not seen in a single Champions League campaign since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2013-2014. Meanwhile, Lautaro Martinez's impressive performance saw him equal Hernan Crespo as Inter's top scorer in a European season with nine goals.
As the match progressed into extra time, the tension escalated. Davide Frattesi emerged as the hero for Inter, netting the decisive goal in the dying moments of the match, sealing the 4-3 victory. Federico Dimarco, who was instrumental in the buildup, expressed his disbelief at the emotional rollercoaster, stating, "Honestly, I have no words to describe what happened tonight. It was an incredible match. It was a fantastic evening."
Yann Sommer, Inter's goalkeeper, made several crucial saves in the final minutes, earning him the Man of the Match award. "I was glad that the ball didn't go in. Many teams get tired when they lead 3-2, but we managed to come back," Sommer remarked, highlighting the resilience of his team.
However, the match was not without controversy. Pedri, the Barcelona midfielder, voiced his frustration with the officiating of referee Szymon Marciniak, stating, "This is not the first time this has happened with this referee, and I think UEFA should look into it." He believed Inter should have finished the match with ten players after a foul by Henrikh Mkhitaryan on Lamine Yamal, a sentiment echoed by some of his teammates.
Despite the disappointment of elimination, Barcelona's young stars, including Yamal, Cubarsi, and Gavi, showed promise for the future. Yamal, at just 17 years old, is already being touted as a potential Ballon d'Or candidate alongside Raphinha, provided they can secure the La Liga title.
The atmosphere at San Siro was electric, with fans creating an unforgettable backdrop for this historic encounter. Inzaghi praised the spirit of his players, many of whom were not at full fitness, and credited the incredible support from the crowd for their motivation. "It was incredible, and I hope to participate in more matches with the atmosphere I saw here," Flick admitted, despite his team's defeat.
This semi-final will go down in history as one of the most entertaining matches in Champions League lore, with a record number of goals and a thrilling narrative that captivated fans worldwide. As the dust settles on this epic clash, both teams will look to the future, with Inter Milan advancing to the final and Barcelona regrouping for the remainder of their season.
As the Champions League final approaches, all eyes will be on Inter Milan as they seek to capitalize on their momentum and secure the coveted trophy. Meanwhile, Barcelona will aim to bounce back and finish strong in La Liga, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season.
