In a thrilling encounter that will be remembered for ages, Inter Milan triumphed over FC Barcelona 4-3 in extra time during the second leg of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League (UCL) semi-final at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, Italy, on May 7, 2025. This victory allowed Inter to advance to the UCL final with a 7-6 aggregate score over the two legs against the Spanish giants.
The match unfolded dramatically, with Inter Milan taking an early lead. Lautaro Martinez struck first, scoring in the 21st minute with an assist from Denzel Dumfries. As the first half progressed, Inter doubled their advantage just before halftime when Hakan Calhanoglu converted a penalty awarded after Lautaro was fouled in the box, ending the first half with a 2-0 lead and a 5-3 aggregate score.
However, Barcelona was not to be underestimated. They made a spirited comeback in the second half, starting with a goal from Eric Garcia in the 54th minute, set up by a cross from Ferran Torres. Just six minutes later, the Catalans equalized with a header from Olmo, making it 2-2. The momentum shifted further when Raphinha scored in the 88th minute, putting Barcelona ahead 3-2 and seemingly on the brink of victory.
But Inter Milan showed their resilience. In the dying moments of regular time, in the third minute of added time, Francesco Acerbi equalized with a well-placed shot from a Dumfries cross, forcing the match into extra time at 3-3.
As the first half of extra time began, the tension was palpable. Both teams pushed hard for the decisive goal, but it was Inter who found the breakthrough. In the 98th minute, a clever pass from Marcus Thuram found Mehdi Taremi, who assisted Davide Frattesi, who calmly slotted the ball home to give Inter a 4-3 lead.
Barcelona fought valiantly to respond, bringing on Robert Lewandowski in hopes of finding an equalizer, but Inter’s defense held firm. Despite several attempts, including a near miss from Ansu Fati, the score remained unchanged as the final whistle blew, solidifying Inter Milan's place in the final.
The significance of this victory cannot be overstated. With this win, Inter Milan not only advanced to the UCL final for the first time since their last triumph in the 2009-2010 season but also set the stage for a historic showdown. They will face the winner of the PSG vs. Arsenal semi-final, with PSG currently leading 1-0 on aggregate.
Historically, this match has been described as one of the most exciting in Champions League history, drawing comparisons to classic encounters like the AS Roma vs. Liverpool semi-final in the 2017-18 season. The thrilling back-and-forth action captivated fans and pundits alike, with former player Alan Shearer commenting, "I was exhausted just watching the game. I can't imagine how the players felt on the pitch!"
As anticipation builds for the final, scheduled for June 1, 2025, at Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena, Inter Milan's fans are hopeful that their team can capture their fourth Champions League title. The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable as the football world gears up for what promises to be a memorable climax to the season.
In summary, Inter Milan's victory over Barcelona not only showcased their determination and skill but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of football, where fortunes can change in an instant. As the UCL final approaches, all eyes will be on Inter and their quest for glory.
