In a thrilling encounter at San Siro, Inter Milan overcame Barcelona 4-3 in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on May 6, 2025, securing a spot in the final with a 7-6 aggregate victory. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams displaying their attacking prowess and resilience.
Inter started the match strong, taking an early lead with goals from Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu. Martinez opened the scoring in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error from Barcelona. Just ten minutes later, Calhanoglu doubled Inter's advantage with a well-placed shot from outside the box, leaving Barcelona's goalkeeper with little chance to react.
Facing a daunting uphill battle, Barcelona regrouped and came back with a vengeance after halftime. Eric Garcia ignited hope for the Catalan side in the 53rd minute, slotting home from close range after a corner kick. Dani Olmo then leveled the score just minutes later, finding the back of the net with a deft finish that sent the Barcelona fans into a frenzy.
As the match progressed, both teams pushed for a decisive goal. In a dramatic turn of events, Raphinha appeared to have secured Barcelona's place in the final with a stunning strike in the 87th minute. The Brazilian winger’s shot from the edge of the box curled beautifully into the top corner, making it 3-2 and sending the visiting supporters into a jubilant celebration.
However, the drama was far from over. Just when it seemed Barcelona had clinched victory, Inter's Francesco Acerbi struck back in added time, equalizing the score at 3-3 and sending the match into extra time. Acerbi's goal came in the dying moments of regulation, showcasing Inter's relentless spirit and determination to fight until the final whistle.
Extra time saw both teams exhausted but still eager to find the winning goal. It was Davide Frattesi who emerged as the hero for Inter, scoring the decisive goal in the first half of extra time. Frattesi's strike, a powerful shot from inside the box, sent the home crowd into raptures and ultimately sealed the tie for Inter.
As the final whistle blew, the players on both sides were visibly emotional. Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, who had delivered impressive performances over the two legs, was spotted being consoled by Inter's Marcus Thuram on the pitch. The two players shared a moment of mutual respect, demonstrating the sportsmanship that often transcends fierce competition.
Despite the heartbreak, Barcelona's players can hold their heads high after a commendable fight throughout the tie. Coach Hansi Flick praised his team's spirit, stating, "We showed resilience and character, but in the end, we fell short. We will learn from this experience and come back stronger."
With this victory, Inter Milan now advances to the Champions League final, where they will face off against their opponents in what promises to be an exhilarating showdown. As the dust settles on this remarkable semi-final, fans will be left in anticipation of the final clash, hoping for more thrilling moments like those witnessed at San Siro.
The road ahead looks promising for Inter, who will look to capitalize on this momentum as they aim for European glory. For Barcelona, it’s back to the drawing board as they regroup and prepare for the challenges ahead in their domestic campaign.
