In a thrilling conclusion to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, Inter Milan edged past Barcelona with a 1-0 victory at the San Siro, securing a 4-3 aggregate win to book their place in the final. Lautaro Martinez emerged as the hero for the Italian side, scoring the decisive goal in the 21st minute of the match.
The atmosphere was electric as the two teams took to the pitch, with 75,000 fans creating a cacophony of support for Inter. Following a dramatic first leg that ended in a 3-3 draw, both teams knew that this match would determine who would advance to the final. The stakes were high, and the tension palpable as the players prepared for battle.
Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi made key decisions for the starting lineup, notably bringing back Martinez from injury. "He felt good. He is our captain," Inzaghi stated before the match, highlighting the importance of Martinez's leadership on the field. Alongside him, Marcus Thuram was tasked with spearheading the attack, while Denzel Dumfries returned to the right wing after recovering from injury.
Barcelona, on the other hand, faced their own challenges. The absence of defender Jules Koundé due to a hamstring issue forced coach Hansi Flick to adjust his lineup. Despite having Robert Lewandowski available on the bench after a hamstring strain, he opted for a more youthful attack featuring Lamine Yamal, who had impressed in the first leg.
The match kicked off at 21:00 CET, and it didn’t take long for Inter to make their mark. A swift counter-attack saw Federico Dimarco intercept the ball high up the pitch, feeding it to Dumfries. The Dutch wing-back made a well-timed run and squared the ball to Martinez, who slotted it into an empty net, sending the San Siro into raptures.
As the game progressed, Barcelona struggled to find their rhythm. Despite enjoying 70% possession, their defense appeared shaky, particularly in transition. Inter’s pressing game was relentless, and they capitalized on Barcelona's mistakes, forcing errors that could have led to further goals. "Inter have a clear tactic," remarked one commentator, noting their effectiveness on the counter-attack.
Barcelona's attempts to respond were thwarted by a solid Inter defense, which included Yann Bisseck, Francesco Acerbi, and Alessandro Bastoni. The trio held firm against the Barcelona attack, which included the likes of Ferran Torres and Raphinha. Yamal, who had been a standout in the first leg, found it difficult to replicate his previous performance, with Inter's defenders keeping a close watch on him.
As the first half drew to a close, Barcelona began to push for an equalizer. Dani Olmo and Pedri both had chances to level the score, but their efforts were either off target or thwarted by Inter's goalkeeper, Yann Sommer. The tension in the stadium heightened as the visitors pressed forward, but the Inter defense held strong.
In the second half, Barcelona continued to dominate possession but failed to convert that into meaningful chances. Their frustrations grew as Inter's counter-attacks became more frequent, with Martinez and Thuram looking dangerous each time they broke forward. The Inter fans were on their feet, urging their team to hold onto their lead.
As the match entered its final stages, Barcelona pushed desperately for an equalizer. Lewandowski was finally introduced from the bench, but even his presence could not spark the required revival. Flick had expressed his desire for his players to enjoy the game without pressure, but the mounting tension was evident as they struggled to break through the Inter defense.
Inzaghi's tactical acumen shone through as he made substitutions to strengthen his defense, bringing on fresh legs to maintain their lead. "We have to try to keep the ball from getting to him," Inzaghi had said about Lewandowski, acknowledging the threat posed by the Polish striker. But Inter's plan worked perfectly, and they successfully managed to contain Barcelona's attacks.
The referee, Szymon Marciniak, signaled for full-time, and the San Siro erupted in celebration as Inter Milan secured their place in the Champions League final. The victory not only avenged their loss in the 2023 final against Manchester City but also marked a significant achievement for Inzaghi's squad, who will now look to lift the trophy later this month.
Inter will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the final, scheduled for May 30 or 31, 2025. As the players celebrated on the pitch, the focus shifted to the final, where they will aim to claim European glory once again. The stage is set for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown, and Inter Milan will carry the momentum of this hard-fought victory into the championship match.
In the end, it was a night to remember for Inter Milan, who proved their mettle against a formidable opponent. With Martinez leading the charge and a well-organized defense, they showed that they are ready to challenge for the title once more.
