In a thrilling UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg on May 6, 2025, Inter Milan triumphed over Barcelona in a nail-biting encounter that finished 4-3 after extra time, securing a spot in the final with an aggregate score of 7-6. The match showcased incredible drama, with Inter Milan initially taking a commanding lead before Barcelona staged a remarkable comeback, only to be thwarted in the dying moments of the game.
The action kicked off with Inter Milan asserting their dominance early on. By the 21st minute, they had already taken the lead when Edin Dzeko set up Lautaro Martinez, who found the back of the net with a well-placed shot. Just before halftime, Martinez was fouled in the penalty area, leading to a penalty conversion by Hakan Çalhanoğlu, giving Inter a 2-0 lead at the break.
However, the second half saw a resurgent Barcelona. Just nine minutes after the restart, Erique Garcia capitalized on a cross from Gavi, striking the ball past Inter's goalkeeper Yann Sommer, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. Barcelona continued to press, and by the 60th minute, they had equalized through a goal from Ansu Fati, making it 2-2.
With the aggregate score tied at 5-5, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Barcelona took the lead for the first time in the match when they scored again, seemingly on the brink of victory. Yet, in a dramatic twist, Inter Milan's Achille equalized in the 93rd minute, becoming the second-oldest scorer in UEFA Champions League semi-final history at 37 years and 85 days. His late goal forced the match into extra time, where the stakes were even higher.
In the extra period, it was Davide Frattesi who emerged as the hero for Inter Milan. Coming off the bench, he scored the decisive goal that clinched the match for Inter, showcasing his knack for making an impact as a substitute. His goal, coupled with Sommer's remarkable performance, which included 14 saves across both legs, proved crucial in Inter's advancement to the final.
Sommer's efforts did not go unnoticed, as former Liverpool striker Edin Dzeko praised him, stating, "Every time a Barcelona player shot, Sommer reacted perfectly." The Swiss goalkeeper's performance was instrumental in Inter's victory, as he thwarted numerous attempts from Barcelona, including several close-range efforts.
Barcelona's coach, Xavi, expressed his disappointment following the match, stating, "I am very disappointed for the team, but not for their performance. Everyone tried their best. We will come back stronger next year to make our fans and the club proud." Despite their exit from the Champions League, Barcelona has already secured the Spanish King's Cup and remains in contention for the La Liga title.
Adding to the drama was a confrontation between Barcelona's Inigo Martinez and Inter Milan's Achille during the first half. After Achille celebrated a goal, Martinez responded by spitting at him, leading to a brief altercation that required intervention from the match officials. Ultimately, no players were booked, but the incident highlighted the high tensions on the pitch.
As the match concluded, the atmosphere was electric, with Inter Milan fans celebrating their team's resilience and determination. They have now reached the Champions League final for the second time in three years, while Barcelona's hopes for a treble have been dashed.
Meanwhile, in other sports news, Petra Kvitova made headlines at the Italian Open, achieving her first victory since returning to the court after a 15-month maternity break. She defeated Romanian player Mihaela Buzarnescu with a score of 7-5, 6-1, marking a significant milestone in her comeback journey. Kvitova's previous four tournaments had ended in losses, but her performance in Italy reignited hopes for her future in the sport.
In the world of snooker, Zhao Xintong made history by becoming the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship, defeating three-time champion Mark Williams 18-12. This victory comes after a suspension and marks a significant achievement in his career.
As the sports world continues to unfold with exciting narratives, all eyes will be on the upcoming matches, including Arsenal's clash against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, where Declan Rice emphasized the need for courage and belief among his teammates.
The thrilling action of the UEFA Champions League, the inspiring stories of comeback athletes like Kvitova, and the historic achievements in snooker highlight the dynamic nature of the sports world, leaving fans eager for more.
