In a thrilling culmination to the Champions League semi-finals, Inter Milan edged out Barcelona with a stunning 4-3 victory in extra time at the San Siro, securing a 7-6 aggregate win on May 6, 2025. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience.
Inter Milan, under the guidance of manager Simone Inzaghi, raced into a two-goal lead in the first half, courtesy of goals from Lautaro Martinez and Davide Frattesi. However, Barcelona, known for their relentless attacking style, fought back valiantly. Ferran Torres, starting in place of the injured Robert Lewandowski, spearheaded the comeback, scoring two goals in quick succession that turned the tide in favor of the Catalans.
Despite Barcelona’s surge, Inter's Francesco Acerbi leveled the match with an injury-time equalizer, forcing the game into extra time. Frattesi would then emerge as the hero for Inter, scoring the decisive goal that sent the Italians to the Champions League final, where they will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal.
Manager Hansi Flick made the bold decision to bench Lewandowski, who has been nursing a semitendinosus strain in his left thigh. "He will start on the bench and we will see what happens. If we need him, he will be prepared," Flick stated in a pre-match press conference. The decision was strategic, reflecting Flick’s caution in managing Lewandowski’s recovery while still aiming to exploit Inter’s defensive weaknesses with Torres leading the line.
The match began with Inter taking control early, showcasing their attacking depth. Martinez opened the scoring in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Barcelona. As the first half progressed, Inter doubled their lead with a well-placed header from Frattesi, leaving Barcelona fans stunned.
However, the resilient Barcelona squad, which included young stars like Lamine Yamal and seasoned players such as Pedri and Raphinha, refused to back down. Their persistence paid off when Torres found the back of the net in the 54th minute, igniting a fierce comeback. Just minutes later, Raphinha scored again, bringing the score to 2-2.
Barcelona’s momentum continued as Yamal, the 17-year-old sensation, displayed his exceptional talent, scoring a magnificent goal to give Barcelona a 3-2 lead. His skillful dribbling and precise finishing left Inter's defense scrambling.
But just when it seemed Barcelona would secure their place in the final, Inter struck back. Acerbi’s late equalizer in the dying moments of regulation sent the match into extra time, where tensions ran high and both teams fought tooth and nail for the win.
In extra time, it was Frattesi who emerged as the hero for Inter, scoring the decisive goal that sealed the match. The San Siro erupted as Inter celebrated their hard-fought victory, while Barcelona was left to ponder what could have been.
Flick praised Inter’s performance, acknowledging the challenge his team faced. "It's really tough to defend against them and for us, everyone has to be included in defending. That's the most important thing that we have to do," he said. Despite the loss, Barcelona's attacking display was a testament to their capabilities, and they remain a formidable force in European football.
As the dust settles on this thrilling semi-final, all eyes will turn to the final, set to take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May 31, 2025. Inter will be looking to capitalize on their momentum, while Barcelona will regroup and aim to finish the domestic season strongly.
This match showcased the unpredictable nature of football, where fortunes can shift in an instant, and both teams displayed the heart and determination that make the sport so captivating. With the final on the horizon, fans are left eagerly anticipating what promises to be another unforgettable chapter in the Champions League saga.
