In a breathtaking display of resilience and determination, Inter Milan triumphed over Barcelona in a thrilling UEFA Champions League semi-final, securing their place in the final with a dramatic 4-3 victory after extra time at the iconic San Siro on May 6, 2025. This match not only showcased the high stakes of European football but also highlighted the remarkable journey of 37-year-old defender Francesco Acerbi, who scored his first-ever Champions League goal at a crucial moment.
The match began with Inter Milan asserting their dominance, taking an early lead with Lautaro Martinez’s goal in the 21st minute. Martinez capitalized on a swift counterattack, showcasing his sharp instincts and lethal finishing ability. Just before halftime, Hakan Calhanoglu extended Inter’s lead to 2-0 by converting a penalty after a foul on Martinez by Pau Cubarsi, a decision confirmed after a VAR review. With a 2-0 lead at the break, the home fans were optimistic, but concerns lingered about Inter’s ability to withstand Barcelona’s relentless pressure in the second half.
As expected, Barcelona responded fiercely after the interval. Eric Garcia reduced the deficit in the 54th minute with a perfectly timed volley, igniting the hopes of the traveling fans. Dani Olmo leveled the score in the 60th minute, heading home from close range, and suddenly the momentum had shifted dramatically in favor of the visitors. Just when it seemed Barcelona had turned the tie in their favor, Raphinha struck in the 87th minute, giving Barcelona a 3-2 lead on the night and a 6-5 advantage on aggregate. The atmosphere in Milan turned tense as the home supporters faced the grim reality of elimination.
However, the drama was far from over. In a stunning twist, Acerbi, who had battled through personal adversity, emerged as the unlikely hero. In the dying moments of stoppage time, Acerbi scored a magnificent goal, firing a first-time effort into the roof of the net after an assist from Denzel Dumfries. His celebration was wild, earning him a yellow card for removing his jersey, but it was a moment of pure elation that sent the match into extra time with the aggregate score tied at 6-6.
Extra time saw Inter Milan continue to push forward, and in the 99th minute, substitute Davide Frattesi secured the victory with a curling shot into the bottom corner, following a brilliant run from Marcus Thuram. This goal not only sealed the win for Inter but also sent the home crowd into raptures, marking a remarkable comeback after being on the brink of elimination.
Yann Sommer, Inter’s goalkeeper, played a pivotal role throughout the two-legged tie, making 14 saves that denied Barcelona’s highly-rated attack and earning him the Player of the Match award. “It was a crazy game. I am really proud of this team. We were already out, then we came back — amazing,” Sommer expressed, reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster of the match.
Inter Milan’s journey to the final has been nothing short of spectacular, showcasing their resilience and fighting spirit. They will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain on May 31, 2025, in what promises to be another thrilling encounter. For Barcelona, this defeat is a bitter pill to swallow, especially after they had fought back valiantly in both legs of the tie.
The match was a testament to the unpredictability of football, where fortunes can change in an instant. With Acerbi’s inspiring story of survival and triumph, and the thrilling nature of the match itself, this semi-final will be remembered as one of the greatest in Champions League history.
As Inter Milan prepares for the final, they carry with them the hopes of their fans and the lessons learned from this incredible match. The stage is set for a showdown in Munich, and if this semi-final is any indication, the final will surely deliver more unforgettable moments.
