FC Barcelona faced a heartbreaking exit from the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League after a dramatic 4-3 defeat in extra time against Inter Milan at San Siro on May 6, 2025. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions that saw both teams exchanging leads in a high-stakes semifinal clash.
The first leg of the tie had ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, setting the stage for a decisive second leg where Barcelona aimed to reach their first Champions League final in a decade. Under the guidance of manager Hansi Flick, the Catalans knew they had to perform at their best to overcome a formidable Inter side, renowned for their disciplined play and tactical prowess.
Inter Milan struck first in the 21st minute, with Lautaro Martínez finding the net to give the Italian side an early advantage. Just before halftime, the situation worsened for Barcelona as Inter was awarded a penalty, which Hakan Çalhanoğlu confidently converted, doubling their lead to 2-0. At this point, the pressure was mounting on Barcelona, who had to respond quickly to keep their hopes alive.
Barcelona didn’t back down; they mounted a fierce comeback that had fans on the edge of their seats. Just after the halftime break, Lamine Yamal, one of the team's standout players, scored to bring the score to 2-1. Raphinha followed up with another goal shortly after, leveling the match at 2-2. The momentum seemed to shift in favor of the Blaugrana as they took a 3-2 lead with a stunning strike from Dani Olmo.
However, the drama was far from over. In a nail-biting finish, Francesco Acerbi scored a crucial equalizer for Inter in the 93rd minute, sending the match into extra time and leaving Barcelona fans in disbelief. The tension in the stadium was palpable as both teams fought for supremacy in the additional 30 minutes.
In the 99th minute, substitute Davide Frattesi emerged as the hero for Inter, scoring the decisive goal that sealed a 4-3 victory on the night and a 7-6 aggregate win. This result not only propelled Inter Milan into the Champions League Final but also marked a significant setback for Barcelona, who were left to ponder what could have been.
With the defeat, Barcelona's hopes of reaching their first Champions League final since lifting the trophy in 2015 were dashed, leaving them with a bittersweet taste after a tournament filled with promise. Supporters had placed their hopes on the young talents like Yamal and Raphinha to deliver in this critical match, but it was not meant to be.
For Inter Milan, the victory was monumental, as they not only secured a place in the final but also stood to gain a substantial financial reward. Throughout their Champions League campaign, Inter has already amassed approximately €72.3 million in prize money. This includes a base fee of €18.6 million just for participating in the tournament, alongside earnings from victories in the league phase and knockout rounds. Their path to the final included impressive wins over teams like Feyenoord, Bayern Munich, and now Barcelona.
Looking ahead, Inter will await the outcome of the other semifinal between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal to determine their opponent in the final, scheduled for May 31, 2025. A victory in that match would bring in an additional €6.5 million, plus €4 million for participating in the UEFA Super Cup, potentially bringing their total earnings from this Champions League season close to €83 million.
The loss for Barcelona raises questions about the team's future and what changes may be needed as they look to rebuild and come back stronger next season. The players and coaching staff will undoubtedly reflect on the lessons learned from this heart-wrenching semifinal and aim to regain their status among Europe’s elite clubs.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, one thing is clear: the Champions League remains as unpredictable and exciting as ever, with Inter Milan now one step closer to claiming the coveted trophy.
