In a thrilling Champions League semi-final that will be remembered for years to come, Inter Milan pulled off an improbable victory against FC Barcelona, winning 4-3 after extra time at San Siro on May 6, 2025. This remarkable match not only saw the return of Lautaro Martinez, who had been sidelined with an injury, but also a stunning performance from Francesco Acerbi, who scored his first-ever goal in the Champions League.
The stage was set for a dramatic showdown, just six days after the two teams had played to a gripping 3-3 draw. Inter Milan's journey to the final is historic, as they have now secured their place in the Champions League final for the second time in three years. They will face Paris Saint-Germain, who defeated Arsenal in the other semi-final, on May 31, 2025, in Munich.
Lautaro Martinez, who had suffered a hamstring injury during the first leg of the semi-finals, was expected to miss the match. However, the Inter captain made a miraculous recovery, stating, "At first, I couldn’t even lift my leg, but I worked hard with the medical staff and doubled my treatment sessions." Martinez opened the scoring in the 21st minute and later provoked a penalty that led to Inter's second goal just before halftime.
Despite his efforts, Martinez was substituted in the 71st minute, but he remained optimistic about his team's resilience. "This team never gives up," he said, reflecting on his journey with Inter since joining in 2018, during which he has amassed seven titles and scored 151 goals.
Another key player in Inter's success was Denzel Dumfries, who also made a comeback from injury. The Dutch midfielder was instrumental in the match, contributing significantly with two goals and three assists across both legs of the semi-final. Dumfries became only the third player in history to be involved in five goals during a Champions League semi-final, a feat last accomplished by Liverpool's Roberto Firmino in the 2017-18 season.
Yann Sommer, Inter's goalkeeper, played a crucial role in maintaining the team's lead despite facing intense pressure from Barcelona. After conceding two goals within six minutes in the second half, Sommer made a total of seven saves, including two spectacular stops that kept Inter's hopes alive. His incredible save against Lamine Yamal in the 114th minute was described by Sommer as "the best save of my career."
Francesco Acerbi, at 37 years old, etched his name into Inter's history by scoring the equalizer in the dying moments of regulation time, in the 90+4 minute. The central defender, who had never scored in the Champions League before, celebrated his goal with a passionate display, showcasing the grit and determination that defines this Inter team.
As the match progressed into extra time, both teams fought fiercely, but it was Inter who emerged victorious. Their win over Barcelona has not only secured their place in the final but has also solidified their status as one of the most remarkable finalists in Champions League history, with La Gazzetta dello Sport dubbing them "mythical" in their coverage.
On the other side of the tournament, Paris Saint-Germain also made headlines by defeating Arsenal in the semi-finals. After a 1-0 victory in the first leg, they secured their spot in the final with a 2-1 win at Parc des Princes on May 7, 2025. Ruiz scored the opening goal in the 27th minute, and Hakimi extended the lead in the 72nd minute, before Arsenal's Saka pulled one back in the 76th minute.
This final will mark PSG's second appearance in a Champions League final, with their first being in 2020. The match against Inter will be historic as it will be the first official encounter between the two clubs. Their previous meetings have been in friendly matches, with Inter winning 2-1 in August 2023 during a pre-season tour in Japan.
As the date of the final approaches, both teams are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating clash. PSG, under the management of Luis Enrique, is keen to capture their first Champions League title, while Inter aims to add another trophy to their illustrious history. With players like Martinez, Dumfries, and Sommer on the field, fans can expect a match filled with intensity, skill, and drama.
As anticipation builds for the Champions League final on May 31, the football world is abuzz with excitement. Will Inter Milan continue their fairy tale run, or will PSG finally break through and claim their coveted trophy? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: this final will be a must-watch event for football fans everywhere.
