In a thrilling climax to the UEFA Champions League semi-final, Inter Milan triumphed over FC Barcelona with a dramatic 4-3 victory after extra time, securing their place in the final. The match, played at the iconic San Siro on May 6, 2025, was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring seven goals and numerous heart-stopping moments.
The first leg had ended in a 3-3 draw, setting the stage for an epic showdown. Inter Milan, buoyed by their home advantage and a formidable record of 16 matches without defeat at home in the Champions League, came out with guns blazing. Lautaro Martinez, who had been a doubt ahead of the match, opened the scoring in the 21st minute, showcasing his exceptional positioning skills. Following a swift counter-attack, Martinez found the back of the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Just before halftime, Inter doubled their lead when Hakan Calhanoglu converted a penalty awarded after a VAR review, making it 2-0. The momentum seemed firmly with the Italians as they headed into the break. However, Barcelona was far from finished. They returned from halftime with renewed vigor, and Eric Garcia pulled one back for the Catalans in the 54th minute with a well-placed shot that found the top corner, igniting hopes of a comeback.
Barcelona continued to press, and Dani Olmo equalized just six minutes later, leveling the score at 2-2. The match swung wildly as both teams exchanged chances, with Inter's goalkeeper Yann Sommer making a sensational save to deny a close-range effort from Eric Garcia in the 57th minute.
As the match approached its final moments, Barcelona struck again. Raphinha scored in the 88th minute, putting the visitors ahead 3-2 and sending shockwaves through the San Siro. However, the drama was far from over. In a stunning twist, Francesco Acerbi scored for Inter in the dying seconds of regulation time, equalizing at 3-3 and forcing the match into extra time.
With both teams visibly exhausted, the tension was palpable as they entered the additional periods. The breakthrough came in the 99th minute when Davide Frattesi, who had been a standout performer, scored the decisive goal for Inter. After a brilliant setup from Marcus Thuram, Frattesi curled a shot past the Barcelona goalkeeper, Szczesny, to make it 4-3.
Despite a valiant effort from Barcelona, including a late push to find an equalizer, Inter held firm to secure their place in the final, where they will face the winner of the PSG-Arsenal match. The Inter players celebrated wildly as the final whistle blew, marking a historic night in Milan.
The match was not without its controversies, with several key moments igniting debates among fans and analysts alike. Bastoni received a yellow card for a foul on Lamine Yamal, while Barcelona's penalty was a hot topic among commentators. However, the night belonged to Inter Milan as they celebrated a hard-fought victory.
Looking ahead, the final, scheduled for May 31, 2025, in Munich, promises to be a spectacle as Inter aims to claim the prestigious trophy. With their current form and resilience displayed in this match, they will be a formidable opponent for whoever they face.
As for Barcelona, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, but they can take solace in their recent performances in La Liga, where they have been strong. The return of Robert Lewandowski to the squad provided a boost, but it wasn't enough to overcome the determined Inter side.
The match was broadcast live on Canal+ Foot, showcasing the excitement of European football to fans around the world. The atmosphere in the San Siro was electric, with supporters from both clubs creating a vibrant backdrop for this high-stakes encounter.
In conclusion, Inter Milan's victory over FC Barcelona in this thrilling semi-final will be remembered as one of the classic matches in Champions League history. With a blend of skill, drama, and heart-stopping moments, it encapsulated everything that makes football the beautiful game.
