In an electrifying showdown at the San Siro, Inter Milan triumphed over Barcelona with a thrilling 4-3 victory, securing their place in the Champions League final on May 6, 2025. This remarkable match unfolded over 120 minutes of intense football, leaving fans on the edge of their seats and showcasing the resilience and skill of the Nerazzurri.
Coach Simone Inzaghi expressed immense pride in his team's performance, stating, "First of all, we have to congratulate Barcelona. We faced a really strong team, and it took a super Inter side to win. The players delivered two monstrous performances to reach this final, and I’m very proud of them – they gave everything." Inzaghi's words encapsulate the spirit of a match that will be remembered for years.
Inter had entered the second leg with confidence after a dramatic 3-3 draw in the first leg at Montjuic. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere at the sold-out San Siro was electric. Lautaro Martinez, Hakan Calhanoglu, Francesco Acerbi, and Davide Frattesi all played pivotal roles in this historic victory.
The match began with Inter taking control, quickly establishing a two-goal lead by halftime. Lautaro and Calhanoglu found the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. However, Barcelona, known for their fighting spirit, mounted a comeback that saw them equalize and threaten to steal the win. Just when it seemed the tide had turned, Acerbi's late equalizer in added time kept Inter's hopes alive.
Inzaghi reflected on the turning points of the game, noting the importance of his tactical decisions. "I made substitutions which helped us believe and limit a team like Barcelona. With heart, we overcame every obstacle. We tried to play with our strengths and qualities. After the first game, we knew exactly what we needed to bring to the pitch," he said.
Frattesi emerged as the hero of the night, scoring the decisive goal in extra time that sent the home fans into raptures. He expressed his disbelief at the moment, saying, "It's incredible, I don't know what to say. After Munich, I didn't think I'd repeat the same emotions, tonight the incredible happened. I wasn't given such incredible talent, but I was always the last to give up and the first to believe in it. At 3-3 I said that we would go through. I came off the bench, but it's like I've played 120 minutes." His determination and belief were crucial in securing Inter's victory.
Despite the loss, Inzaghi acknowledged the strength of Barcelona, particularly praising midfielder Frenkie de Jong. "I saw another extraordinary player besides Yamal in these two matches – de Jong. He really impressed me, always helping their defense move forward. I wouldn’t change my players for anything in the world, but I saw some very strong players," he remarked.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Inzaghi, who has now led Inter to their second Champions League final in just two years. Having previously guided the team to their first final in over a decade, this achievement further cements his legacy as one of the club's most successful managers. "Overcoming Barcelona would make Inzaghi the second Inter manager to oversee two Champions League finals," noted sources ahead of the match.
Inter's remarkable home form also played a key role in their success. The team has maintained an impressive 16-match unbeaten streak in Champions League home outings, a record that undoubtedly bolstered their confidence going into this crucial match. Inzaghi's belief in his squad was clear as he stated, "We’ll have to be very sharp, working as a team like we did in the first leg, knowing they have important players. We’ll try to limit them together."
The road to this final has not been without its challenges. Inter faced a five-game winless streak in all competitions before their recent victory against Hellas Verona, where Kristjan Asllani's penalty secured a much-needed 1-0 win. This victory not only halted their slump but also provided a morale boost ahead of the crucial semi-final.
As the Champions League final approaches, the excitement is palpable among Inter fans and players alike. The prospect of lifting the prestigious trophy once again drives the team forward, with Inzaghi at the helm, ready to lead them into battle. With the support of their passionate fans and the momentum gained from this thrilling victory over Barcelona, Inter Milan is poised to make a significant mark in European football history.
Inzaghi's ability to inspire and motivate his players has been evident throughout this campaign, and as they prepare for the final, the focus will be on capitalizing on their strengths and maintaining the same level of determination that brought them this far. "Those who came on as substitutes were great and kept the level high, and they deserve a victory like this in front of our fans. They were exemplary," Inzaghi concluded, emphasizing the collective effort that led to this remarkable achievement.
As the clock ticks down to the final, all eyes will be on Inter Milan as they seek to etch their name in history once again, aiming to bring home the Champions League trophy that has eluded them for so long. With a mix of experience, youthful exuberance, and unwavering support from their fans, the Nerazzurri are ready to take on the challenge that lies ahead.
