In a thrilling encounter at the San Siro, Inter Milan triumphed over Barcelona with a dramatic 4-3 victory in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on May 6, 2025. This victory not only secured Inter's place in the final but also marked a historic achievement for coach Simone Inzaghi, who became only the second manager in Inter's history to reach two Champions League finals.
The match was nothing short of a spectacle, with both teams displaying remarkable skill and determination. Davide Frattesi emerged as the hero for Inter, scoring the decisive goal in extra time, which brought the aggregate score to 7-6 in favor of the Nerazzurri. "It was a game that had everything; we fought until the end, and the players showed incredible heart and resilience," Inzaghi said during his post-match interview.
Inter's journey to the final was not without its challenges, especially after their treble hopes were dashed just two weeks prior. However, the team rallied together, and their performance against Barcelona was a testament to their character. Inzaghi praised his players for their efforts, stating, "They delivered two monstrous performances to reach this final, and I’m very proud of them – they gave everything. 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."
The match itself was a rollercoaster. Inter started strong, taking a 2-0 lead in the first half with goals from Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu. Despite having only 29 percent possession throughout the match, Inter capitalized on their chances, generating an impressive 2.28 expected goals (xG) from 13 shots, while Barcelona dominated possession with 71 percent but managed only three goals from 22 shots and 2.74 xG.
Barcelona's response came in the second half, with Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo finding the net to equalize the score. Raphinha then scored in the 87th minute, seemingly sealing the win for the Blaugrana. However, Inter's Francesco Acerbi scored a last-gasp equalizer in the 93rd minute, sending the match into extra time. Frattesi's goal in the 99th minute ultimately sealed Inter's fate as they advanced to the final.
Inzaghi's tactical acumen was on full display as he adjusted his team's pressing structure to limit Barcelona's star player, Lamine Yamal. The young Spaniard, who had been the talk of the town, was kept at bay for much of the first half, managing only 31 touches. Inzaghi remarked, "I saw another extraordinary player over these two legs who was out injured the last time we played them. Frenkie de Jong impressed me every bit as much as Yamal. I wouldn’t change my players for anyone in the world, but over the two legs, I found De Jong to be really sensational."
Frenkie de Jong's performance stood out, even amidst the heartbreak of elimination. "I am mostly very disappointed. It feels unfair to us, but I look at it from our side. I felt we were stronger, especially in the second half," he reflected. His sentiments were echoed by several teammates, including Raphinha and Gerard Martin, who were visibly emotional after the match.
Barcelona's coach, Hansi Flick, acknowledged the strength of Inter, stating, "It required a super Inter to win, and I compliment them. We have a young team that needs to learn and improve. Of course, we could have done some things better," highlighting the lessons his side must take from the match.
As Inter prepares for their Champions League final in Munich later this month, they will look to build on this momentum. Inzaghi's side will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal, and they will need to replicate their performance against Barcelona to lift the coveted trophy. Denzel Dumfries, who played a crucial role in the match with two goals and three assists across both legs, will be pivotal in their quest for glory. His ability to influence play from the right flank has been a game-changer for Inter, and he is expected to be a key figure in the final.
For now, the Nerazzurri can bask in the glory of their remarkable comeback against one of Europe's elite teams. The victory over Barcelona will be remembered as one of the most iconic matches in Champions League history, with both teams scoring a total of 13 goals across the two legs. With their eyes set on the final, Inter Milan has proven they are not just a team to watch but a force to be reckoned with in European football.
As the dust settles on this unforgettable night, Inzaghi's men will continue to dream of lifting the Champions League trophy, aiming to follow in the footsteps of Jose Mourinho, the last Inter manager to achieve this feat. The excitement and anticipation are palpable as fans eagerly await the final showdown in Munich.
