In a thrilling encounter at the San Siro, Inter Milan triumphed over Barcelona, securing a place in the UEFA Champions League final with a sensational 7-6 aggregate victory after a gripping extra-time battle. The match, held on May 6, 2025, saw Inter take an early lead, only to face a fierce comeback from the Catalans before snatching victory in dramatic fashion.
The game started with Inter coming out strong, as Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu each found the net, giving the home side a 2-0 lead in the first half. However, the second half witnessed a remarkable turnaround, with Barcelona scoring three goals to take a surprising lead. Just when it seemed all hope was lost for Inter, Francesco Acerbi scored a crucial equalizer in stoppage time, sending the match into extra time.
In the additional period, it was Davide Frattesi who emerged as the hero, netting the decisive goal that secured Inter's place in the final. Federico Dimarco, who played a pivotal role throughout the match, expressed his disbelief at the game’s unfolding, stating, "I have no words for what happened tonight, an incredible game recovered and a truly beautiful Champions League night," during a post-match interview with Sky Sport.
Dimarco also took a moment to praise his coach, Simone Inzaghi, saying, "He is our leader, he shows us the way to go and he always does it well even in difficult moments. We must congratulate him, after the Scudetto lost against Milan it was all uphill." Inzaghi's tactical acumen was evident as he made key substitutions that turned the tide in Inter's favor.
After the match, Inzaghi reflected on the performance, stating, "It took a super-Inter to beat Barça. We faced a very strong team. It took an exceptional Inter to defeat them. We played two incredible matches. The boys were fantastic. I’m proud and happy to be their coach. Everyone gave their all—both the starters and the substitutes—in front of our home fans." He also acknowledged the quality of Barcelona, emphasizing the effort required to secure the win.
Barcelona's manager, Hansi Flick, extended his congratulations to Inzaghi, recognizing the intensity of the match and the skill of the Inter players. Inzaghi, in turn, praised Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong, noting, "There’s been a lot of talk about Yamal, but De Jong really impressed me. He’s an exceptional player, capable of clearing every ball. I wouldn’t trade any of my players, but what De Jong did was sensational."
As Inter prepares for the final, they await the result of the upcoming match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, which will determine their opponent later this month in Munich. PSG currently leads the tie after a 1-0 victory in the first leg.
Inter's victory marks their second Champions League final appearance in three seasons, having reached the final in 2022 under Inzaghi's management. The team's remarkable run at the San Siro continues, boasting an impressive unbeaten streak of 15 matches in the Champions League at home, with 12 wins and three draws.
The match was not without its drama, as Inter's defense faced considerable pressure from Barcelona's attacking players, particularly Lamine Yamal, who had given Dimarco a tough time in the first leg. However, Inter's tactical adjustments and the players' resilience proved vital in overcoming the challenge.
In addition to the standout performances from Martinez and Calhanoglu, the contributions of players like Dumfries and Acerbi were crucial in securing this historic victory. Dumfries, who had previously struggled to find the net in his Champions League career, scored twice in the semi-final tie, making history as one of the key players in this thrilling encounter.
As the excitement builds ahead of the final, fans and pundits alike are eager to see how Inter will fare against either PSG or Arsenal. With the stakes higher than ever, the upcoming match promises to be an exhilarating showdown, showcasing the best of European football.
In the aftermath of this unforgettable semi-final, Inter Milan stands as a testament to perseverance and tactical brilliance, ready to take on the challenge that lies ahead in the quest for Champions League glory.
