In an electrifying Champions League semi-final, Inter Milan triumphed over FC Barcelona with a thrilling 4-3 victory after extra time, securing their place in the final for the second time in three years. The match, held at the iconic Giuseppe Meazza stadium on May 6, 2025, saw a total of 13 goals across two legs, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess.
The first leg, played in Barcelona, ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, setting the stage for a high-stakes return match. Inter Milan entered the second leg with a fierce determination, and their aggressive approach paid off early. Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring in the 21st minute, converting a precise pass from Denzel Dumfries, sending the home crowd into a frenzy with a powerful shot past goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny.
Just before halftime, Inter doubled their lead when Hakan Çalhanoglu converted a penalty in the 45+1 minute, awarded after Martinez was fouled by Pau Cubarsi. The 2-0 advantage at the break seemed to put Inter in a commanding position, but Barcelona was far from finished.
After the halftime break, the Catalans came out with renewed vigor. Eric Garcia ignited their comeback with a stunning volley in the 54th minute, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. Just six minutes later, Dani Olmo equalized with a well-placed header, bringing the score to 2-2 and sending the visiting fans into a frenzy.
As the match progressed, Barcelona continued to press, and in the 87th minute, Raphinha completed the comeback, scoring to give Barcelona a 3-2 lead. It seemed the Blaugranas were on the brink of securing their place in the final. However, in a twist of fate, Francesco Acerbi leveled the match for Inter in the dying moments, scoring in the 90+3 minute after a chaotic sequence that saw the ball bounce around the penalty area. His goal not only sent the match into extra time but also marked his first career goal in the Champions League at the age of 37.
With the aggregate score tied at 6-6, the teams entered extra time, and the tension in the stadium was palpable. In the 99th minute, Davide Frattesi emerged as the hero for Inter, scoring the decisive goal that would ultimately secure their passage to the final. His strike, assisted by Mehdi Taremi, sent the Inter fans into ecstasy as they celebrated a 4-3 victory.
The match was characterized by its intensity and drama, with Inter's goalkeeper Yann Sommer making seven crucial saves, including several against the young Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, who had been a standout performer throughout the tie. Sommer's heroics were vital in keeping Inter in the game during Barcelona's second-half surge.
Inter Milan's victory not only avenged their narrow defeat in the 2023 final against Manchester City but also set them up for a chance at their fourth Champions League title. They will face either Paris SG or Arsenal in the final, scheduled for May 31, 2025, in Munich.
This semi-final will be remembered as one of the most thrilling encounters in Champions League history, showcasing the unpredictable nature of football and the relentless spirit of both teams. As the dust settles, Inter Milan can now look forward to the final, eager to add another prestigious trophy to their illustrious history.
