In a thrilling encounter at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Inter Milan took a commanding lead against FC Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final second leg, leading 2-0 at halftime. The match, which kicked off at 21:00 CET on May 6, 2025, is pivotal in determining which team will advance to the final on May 31 in Munich.
The first half saw Inter Milan capitalize on their home advantage, with Lautaro Martinez opening the scoring in the 21st minute. The Argentine striker showcased his poaching instincts, finishing a well-placed pass from Denzel Dumfries after a quick counter-attack. The home crowd erupted as Inter took the lead, setting the tone for an intense battle.
Just before the halftime whistle, Inter was awarded a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Martinez by Pau Cubarsi. Hakan Çalhanoglu stepped up to take the spot-kick and confidently slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, doubling Inter's lead to 2-0. This goal sent the home fans into a frenzy, as the Nerazzurri looked poised to secure their place in the final.
Urs Meier, a referee expert, commented on the penalty incident, stating, "We can be glad we have VAR. The video footage shows that the leg was struck first, but the forward also did well to draw the foul." This decision highlighted the increasing importance of technology in modern football, particularly in high-stakes matches like this.
As the teams entered the second half, Barcelona faced an uphill battle to overturn the deficit. Despite their attacking prowess, the Catalan side struggled to break down a well-organized Inter defense. Barcelona had shown flashes of brilliance in the first leg, which ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, but they needed to find a way to penetrate Inter's solid backline.
Throughout the first half, Barcelona's attempts to create chances were thwarted by Inter's disciplined defense. Players like Pedri and Lamine Yamal, who have been pivotal in Barcelona's attack this season, found it difficult to make an impact. Barcelona’s Raphinha, who has been directly involved in 20 goals in this Champions League season, was also kept quiet as Inter's defenders maintained tight marking.
In the early stages of the match, both teams exchanged possession, but it was clear that Inter was more clinical in front of goal. Barcelona's first real chance came in the 38th minute when Yamal, the 17-year-old sensation, made a dazzling run but ultimately missed the target. His youthful exuberance and skill have made him a player to watch, but he needed to deliver when it mattered most.
Barcelona's frustration grew as they failed to convert their chances. In the 42nd minute, a potential penalty shout for the visitors was dismissed after a VAR check, leaving the players and fans agitated. The Spanish side’s inability to find the net continued to haunt them as they went into halftime trailing by two goals.
As the second half commenced, Barcelona needed a swift response to keep their hopes alive in the competition. Coach Hansi Flick's side had already shown resilience in the first leg, coming back from a two-goal deficit, but they required a significant improvement in performance to turn the tide in this match.
Inter, on the other hand, looked to consolidate their lead while also seeking to extend it. The home team’s tactics were clear: defend solidly and exploit any counter-attacking opportunities that arose. With players like Marcus Thuram and Martinez leading the line, Inter posed a constant threat to Barcelona’s defense.
As the game progressed, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Barcelona fans were hopeful their team could mount a comeback, while Inter supporters were buoyed by their team’s performance. The match was finely balanced, with both sides having their moments but with Inter holding the advantage on the scoreboard.
In the 45th minute, as the first half came to a close, the referee Szymon Marciniak blew his whistle, signaling a deserved lead for Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri had shown tactical discipline and clinical finishing, while Barcelona struggled to find their rhythm.
With the second half underway, the question on everyone’s mind was whether Barcelona could rally to overturn the deficit. The team’s attacking depth, including the likes of Olmo and Torres, needed to step up if they were to challenge Inter’s defense effectively.
As the match continued, it became evident that Barcelona was pushing forward, desperate to find a goal. Their urgency was matched by Inter’s resilience, making for a captivating spectacle. Fans were treated to a display of football that showcased the intensity and passion of Champions League football.
Ultimately, the match remains ongoing, and the outcome is still uncertain. With both teams fighting for a place in the final, the second half promises to be just as thrilling as the first. Can Barcelona find a way back, or will Inter hold firm and secure their place in the Champions League final?
