On May 6, 2025, Inter Milan pulled off a thrilling victory against Barcelona, winning 4-3 in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg. With this win, Inter advanced to the final for the first time since the 2022-23 season, boasting a 7-6 aggregate score over the two legs. The first leg had ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch.
The match took place at Inter's home ground, the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, where fans were eager to see their team return to the pinnacle of European football. Inter Milan, aiming for their first Champions League title since the 2009-10 season, had previously defeated Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, while Barcelona was looking to reclaim glory after a decade-long title drought.
The first half kicked off with Barcelona attempting to assert control, but it was Inter who struck first. In the 21st minute, Federico Dimarco intercepted a pass from Barcelona's Dani Olmo and quickly transitioned the play. Denzel Dumfries received the ball and made a critical pass to Lautaro Martinez, who coolly slotted it into the net, giving Inter a 1-0 lead.
Barcelona, trailing and needing to respond, intensified their efforts. In the 25th minute, they believed they had a case for a penalty when a potential handball by Inter's Francesco Acerbi was reviewed via VAR, but no penalty was awarded. Despite the setback, the Catalans kept pushing forward.
Inter doubled their lead just before halftime. In the 42nd minute, Lautaro was fouled in the penalty area by Pau Cubarsí, leading to a penalty kick awarded after a VAR review. Hakan Calhanoglu stepped up and converted the penalty, making the score 2-0 and 5-3 on aggregate as the teams headed into the break.
The second half saw a rejuvenated Barcelona side. They managed to reduce the deficit in the 54th minute when Eric Garcia volleyed home a cross from Gerard Martin, narrowing the score to 2-1. Just six minutes later, in the 60th minute, Barcelona equalized with a header from Dani Olmo, making it 2-2 and bringing the aggregate score to 5-5.
With momentum on their side, Barcelona took the lead in the 87th minute. A quick counter-attack culminated in a goal from Raphinha, who found the net with a precise shot, sending the visiting fans into a frenzy. It seemed Barcelona would hold on for the win, but Inter had other plans.
In a dramatic twist, Inter equalized in the dying moments of the match. In the 93rd minute, Francesco Acerbi scored with a well-placed shot following a cross from Dumfries, bringing the score to 3-3 and forcing the match into extra time.
Extra time began with both teams showing signs of fatigue, but it was Inter who found the breakthrough in the 99th minute. Davide Frattesi scored with a stunning shot, giving Inter a 4-3 lead. Barcelona fought valiantly to respond, with Robert Lewandowski coming close to scoring, but his shot hit the post, and Yamal's powerful strike was saved by Inter's goalkeeper, Yann Sommer.
As the final whistle blew, Inter Milan celebrated a hard-fought victory, with the final score standing at 4-3. This win not only secured their place in the Champions League final but also highlighted their resilience against a formidable opponent.
Inter will now face the winner of the match between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in the final, set to take place on May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena. The team is eager to clinch their first title in over a decade, hoping to replicate their success from 2010.
As the dust settles on this thrilling semi-final, both teams showcased the intensity and drama that the Champions League is known for, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the final showdown.
