Inter Milan has pulled off a thrilling upset, defeating Barcelona 4-3 in a nail-biting extra-time showdown at the iconic San Siro on May 6, 2025, to secure their place in the UEFA Champions League final with a 7-6 aggregate victory. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Inter initially racing to a two-goal lead before Barcelona mounted a fierce comeback, only to see their hopes dashed in dramatic fashion.
Lautaro Martinez, who had been nursing a muscle injury, made a significant impact by leading Inter's attack alongside Marcus Thuram. Martinez's return was crucial for the Nerazzurri, as they faced a formidable Barcelona side that had already scored three goals in the first leg of the semifinal.
In front of a packed San Siro, the atmosphere was electric. Fans prepared a stunning choreography, raising colored cards to form a mosaic with the message: ‘Forza Inter’. After weeks of protests against rising ticket prices, Inter's Curva Nord ended their silence and resumed chanting from kick-off, providing an extra boost to the home team.
Inter's strategy was evident from the start, as they aimed to exploit Barcelona's high defensive line. The Italian side's confidence showed early on when they took a 2-0 lead, with goals from Denzel Dumfries and Lautaro Martinez. However, Barcelona responded fiercely, scoring three goals in the second half to take a 3-2 lead, leaving Inter fans on the edge of their seats.
Former Inter striker Iván Zamorano weighed in on the match, emphasizing the importance of the home crowd. “Tonight I’ll be at the stadium with my son,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “The qualification race is wide open, but Inter have one extra resource: San Siro. I can say that because I played important matches in that stadium — it gives you incredible energy, and in closely fought games, that can be decisive.”
Just when it seemed Barcelona would clinch the tie, Inter's Francesco Acerbi scored an injury-time equalizer, sending the match into extra time. The tension was palpable as both teams fought fiercely for a spot in the final. In the decisive moments, Davide Frattesi emerged as the hero, scoring the winning goal in extra time, sealing the 4-3 victory for Inter.
With this win, Inter Milan has not only secured their place in the Champions League final but also extended their unbeaten streak at San Siro in this prestigious tournament to an impressive 16 matches. They will now face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the final, with PSG having won the first leg of their semifinal tie 1-0.
Marcus Thuram, who has been a key player for Inter, opened the scoring in the first leg with a stunning goal, and his contributions have been vital throughout the tournament. Thuram, the son of World Cup champion Lillian Thuram, has a personal connection to Barcelona, having played in their youth academy during his father’s time at the club. He expressed his determination to help Inter reach the final, saying, “The fans expect me to repeat my performance. We need to push for victory.”
As the final approaches, the focus will be on how Inter can maintain their momentum and capitalize on their home advantage. They have shown resilience in their journey to the final, and with players like Martinez and Thuram leading the charge, the team is poised to make a significant impact.
Meanwhile, Barcelona will have to regroup after this heart-wrenching defeat. Despite their strong performance in the second half, the inability to hold onto their lead will raise questions about their defensive tactics and overall strategy. Coach Xavi Hernandez will likely face scrutiny as he prepares his team for the upcoming La Liga fixtures.
In the other semifinal, PSG and Arsenal will battle it out, with the second leg set to take place shortly. The anticipation is building as fans eagerly await to see who will join Inter in the final.
This match not only showcased the intensity of European football but also highlighted the passion of the fans and the significance of home advantage. Inter Milan's victory is a testament to their determination and skill, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating final in Munich later this month.
