Inter Milan and Barcelona faced off in a thrilling UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg at the iconic San Siro on May 6, 2025, with the stakes higher than ever after a dramatic 3-3 draw in the first leg. The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the 80,018-capacity stadium, hoping to witness their team secure a place in the final.
From the outset, Inter showed their intent, racing into a two-goal lead thanks to the dynamic duo of Denzel Dumfries and Marcus Thuram. Just 30 seconds into the match, Thuram stunned the crowd with an audacious flick from a Dumfries cross, marking the fastest goal ever scored in a Champions League semi-final. The celebrations from the Inter fans echoed through the stands, setting the tone for an exhilarating night.
As the first half progressed, Dumfries doubled Inter's advantage with a spectacular scissor kick that left Barcelona's goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny with no chance. The Italian side looked in control, but Barcelona, known for their resilience, clawed their way back into the game.
Ferran Torres struck back for Barcelona, leveling the score before halftime with a well-placed header following a deep cross from Pedri. The momentum shifted, and just minutes later, the young sensation Lamine Yamal halved the deficit with a stunning curling strike off the post, sending the match into a tense second half.
Despite the setback, Inter remained focused, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan emphasizing the importance of experience and calmness in such high-stakes situations. "Experience helps, but so does calm and keeping a clear head. We must be united and fight to win the game together," he said in a pre-match interview.
As the second half unfolded, Barcelona's attacking prowess shone through, and they took the lead with two additional goals, seemingly putting Inter's hopes of advancing to the final in jeopardy. However, the home side refused to back down. In a dramatic turn of events, Francesco Acerbi scored an injury-time equalizer, sending the match into extra time.
The tension was palpable as both teams fought for supremacy in the extra period. It was Davide Frattesi who emerged as the hero for Inter, scoring the decisive goal that sealed a sensational 4-3 victory on the night and a 7-6 aggregate win. The San Siro erupted with joy as the players celebrated their hard-fought triumph.
With this victory, Inter Milan secured their place in the Champions League final, where they will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal, who are set to clash in their own semi-final. Coach Simone Inzaghi made history by becoming the second Nerazzurri boss to oversee two Champions League finals, a testament to his leadership and the team's determination.
Mkhitaryan's pre-match sentiments about needing to play at 200% rang true as the players gave their all in front of a sold-out crowd. "We know it could take us to the final, and that’s the dream for all of us. There are never easy matches, every game is a struggle. We’ll suffer again tonight, and we’ll suffer together because we want to win," he had said.
Barcelona, while disappointed, showed their class throughout the match. Despite missing key players like Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde, they fought valiantly, with Robert Lewandowski available on the bench after recovering from injury. Manager Hansi Flick praised his team's spirit, acknowledging the challenges they faced without their regular defensive lineup.
As the dust settles on this epic encounter, Inter Milan can look forward to the final with confidence, buoyed by their impressive home record in the Champions League. They have not lost any of their last 16 outings at San Siro, and their history against Spanish teams is equally impressive, with only four defeats in their last 26 home matches against La Liga clubs.
The road to the Champions League final is paved with challenges, but for Inter Milan, the victory over Barcelona is a testament to their resilience and determination. As fans celebrate this monumental achievement, the team prepares to take on the next challenge in their quest for European glory.
