The Champions League semi-final second leg on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, was nothing short of a thrilling spectacle as Inter Milan edged out FC Barcelona 4-3 after extra time. This victory not only secured Inter's place in the final but also marked their return to the title match for the second time in three years, having previously lost to Manchester City in 2023.
Fans packed the stadium, creating an electrifying atmosphere that was palpable from the first whistle. The match began with Inter dominating possession and creating early chances. Lautaro Martinez, returning from injury, opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error. He was assisted by Denzel Dumfries, who delivered a precise pass that allowed Martinez to slot the ball into an empty net.
Just before halftime, Inter doubled their lead when Hakan Calhanoglu converted a penalty awarded after Martinez was fouled by Pau Cubarsi. The Nerazzurri went into the break with a comfortable 2-0 advantage, seemingly in control of the match.
However, the second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Barcelona, determined to turn the tide, came out with renewed vigor. Eric Garcia pulled one back for the Catalans in the 54th minute with a well-placed volley, assisted by Gerard Martin. Just six minutes later, Dani Olmo equalized, heading home another cross from Martin, sending the away fans into a frenzy.
With the score tied at 2-2, the match became a back-and-forth affair. Barcelona took the lead for the first time in the match in the 87th minute when Raphinha scored with a powerful shot that found the net after a rebound off Inter's goalkeeper, Yann Sommer. Suddenly, the tide had turned, and it appeared Barcelona might secure their place in the final.
But in a dramatic twist, the game was far from over. In the dying moments of regulation time, Francesco Acerbi emerged as the hero for Inter. The central defender, who had pushed forward in search of an equalizer, found the back of the net in the 90th + 3 minute, connecting with a low cross from Dumfries. The stadium erupted as the match was tied once again at 3-3.
As the match progressed into extra time, both teams showed signs of fatigue, but Inter managed to find that extra gear. Davide Frattesi scored the decisive goal in the 99th minute, finishing a move initiated by Marcus Thuram. Frattesi's strike sent the home crowd into a frenzy, and Inter regained the lead at 4-3.
Barcelona, now on the back foot, struggled to respond. Despite several attempts to equalize, they found themselves thwarted by the impressive performance of Yann Sommer, who made seven crucial saves throughout the match. His standout moments came during the final minutes, where he denied Lamine Yamal on multiple occasions, showcasing his reflexes and shot-stopping ability.
After the match, Lautaro Martinez reflected on the victory, stating, "Now, the objective is the title." His words echoed the sentiments of the entire Inter squad, who are now focused on lifting the Champions League trophy for the first time since 2010.
The match was not just a display of skill but also a testament to the resilience of both teams. The 13 goals scored across the two legs of the semi-final set a record for the highest total at this stage of the competition, equaling the iconic Liverpool-Roma encounter from 2018.
As the dust settles on this thrilling contest, Inter Milan now prepares for the final on May 31 in Munich, where they will face either Paris-Saint-Germain (PSG) or Arsenal. With the momentum from this incredible victory, the Nerazzurri will be looking to claim European glory once again.
In conclusion, this semi-final clash will be remembered not just for the scoreline but for the drama, the passion, and the sheer unpredictability of football. Fans can hardly wait to see what the final holds for Inter Milan as they aim for Champions League success.
