Inter Milan has once again proven its mettle on the grandest stage of European football, reaching the UEFA Champions League final for the second time in three seasons. In a thrilling semi-final clash against Barcelona on May 6, 2025, Inter triumphed 4-3 after extra time, sealing a dramatic aggregate victory of 7-6.
The match, held at Inter's home ground, San Siro, was nothing short of a classic. It started with Inter Milan taking a commanding lead in the first half, thanks to a goal from their prolific striker Lautaro Martinez, who opened the scoring. Shortly after, midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu converted a penalty, putting Inter ahead 2-0 as they headed into the halftime break.
However, the second half saw a fierce response from Barcelona, who were determined to keep their treble dreams alive. They clawed back into the match with a series of impressive plays, with goals from Alessandro Garcia, Daniel Ornelas, and Rafinha, turning the tide and giving Barcelona a 3-2 lead.
Just when it seemed that Barcelona would snatch victory, Inter Milan displayed remarkable resilience. In the dying moments of regular time, defender Fahran Asabi scored a crucial equalizer in the 93rd minute, sending the match into extra time at 3-3.
The extra time proved to be just as dramatic. In the 99th minute, David Disaz scored the winning goal for Inter Milan, completing the comeback and securing their place in the final with a 4-3 victory.
After the match, Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi praised his team's performance. "We have grown since our last final appearance," Inzaghi said. "This journey is something the players have created, and it is incredible. We will face a great team in the final, but we have already defeated the two strongest teams in Europe in the past rounds."
Inzaghi's sentiments were echoed by Inter's left-back Federico Dimarco, who emphasized the importance of winning the championship. "We still have other strong teams ahead of us, but since we've come this far, we must win the title," Dimarco stated.
On the other side, Barcelona's coach Xavi Hernandez expressed his disappointment following the loss. "This was a painful defeat, and the team is very disappointed, but we must accept the result," he remarked. Despite the setback, he took pride in his team's efforts, believing they deserved to reach the final.
Inter Milan's victory is not just a testament to their skill and determination; it also brings with it a historical precedent. In the last six instances where teams have eliminated Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals, they ultimately went on to win the title. This stat certainly adds to the sense of destiny surrounding Inter Milan as they prepare for the final.
The upcoming final will be a significant moment for Inter Milan, who previously reached the final in the 2022-23 season but fell short against Manchester City. The players and coaching staff are determined to rectify that outcome and bring home the coveted trophy this time around.
As the excitement builds for the final, fans and analysts alike are eager to see whether Inter Milan can capitalize on their recent success and make history by lifting the Champions League trophy once again. With their current form and the momentum gained from this dramatic victory over Barcelona, Inter Milan is poised to make a strong statement on the European stage.
This thrilling semi-final encounter not only showcased the highs and lows of football but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of the sport. As the players celebrate their hard-fought victory, the anticipation for the final continues to grow, with the world watching closely to see if Inter Milan can achieve glory.
