In a thrilling clash that captivated football fans, Inter Milan edged out Barcelona 4-3 in an exhilarating extra time showdown during the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals on May 6, 2025. The match, held at the iconic Giuseppe Meazza, saw Inter advance with a 7-6 aggregate score, sending them into the final where they await the winner of the Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain matchup.
The drama unfolded early in the first half as Barcelona struggled to find their rhythm. Just 15 minutes into the match, Lautaro Martínez capitalized on a defensive error from Dani Olmo, slotting home the opener for Inter. The Catalan side's woes compounded shortly after when Hakan Çalhanoğlu converted a penalty awarded after a VAR review deemed Pau Cubarsí's challenge on Lautaro a foul. This left Barcelona trailing 2-0 at halftime and 5-3 on aggregate.
Despite the daunting scoreline, Barcelona came out for the second half with renewed vigor. Within the first 15 minutes, Eric García volleyed in a goal from a precise cross by Gerard Martin, igniting hope among the Blaugrana supporters. Just moments later, Dani Olmo leveled the score at 2-2 with a well-placed header, sending the match into a frenzy.
As the clock ticked down, Barcelona continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded when Raphinha found the net in the 88th minute, giving the visitors a stunning 3-2 lead. However, Inter was not to be outdone. In a dramatic twist, Francesco Acerbi scored a late equalizer in the 49th minute of stoppage time after a cross from Denzel Dumfries, forcing the match into extra time with the score tied at 3-3.
Extra time proved to be just as intense, with both teams vying for supremacy. Just nine minutes into the first extra period, Davide Fratessi struck, curling a shot into the far corner and sealing Inter's victory. The goal left Wojciech Szczesny with no chance, and the stadium erupted in celebration for the home side.
Barcelona's exit from the tournament marked the end of their treble hopes, and they now shift their focus to La Liga, where they face fierce rivals Real Madrid this weekend. Coach Hansi Flick will need to rally his team after this heartbreaking defeat, as they aim to salvage their season.
As the dust settles on this unforgettable encounter, Inter Milan prepares to make their mark in the Champions League final, hoping to add another trophy to their illustrious history. The match was a testament to the unpredictable nature of football, where fortunes can shift in a matter of moments, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.