In a breathtaking encounter that will be remembered for years to come, Inter Milan triumphed over Barcelona 4-3 in extra time on May 6, 2025, securing a thrilling 7-6 aggregate victory in the UEFA Champions League semi-final at the iconic San Siro. This match not only showcased the resilience of both teams but also solidified Inter's place in the final for the second time in three years, as they aim for their fourth Champions League title.
The stage was set for an electrifying clash after the first leg ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, leaving both teams eager to assert their dominance. Inter, under the astute leadership of coach Simone Inzaghi, sought to capitalize on their home advantage, while Barcelona, managed by Hansi Flick, aimed to secure their first final appearance since 2015.
As the match kicked off amidst a rain-soaked atmosphere, it was Inter who struck first. In the 21st minute, Federico Dimarco's tenacity paid off as he won the ball high up the pitch, setting up a swift attack. Denzel Dumfries squared the ball to Lautaro Martínez, who expertly slotted it into the net, giving Inter a crucial 1-0 lead and his eighth goal in his last seven Champions League matches.
Just before halftime, Inter doubled their advantage when Martínez was fouled inside the box by Pau Cubarsí. Hakan Çalhanoğlu confidently converted the penalty, sending Wojciech Szczęsny the wrong way and extending Inter's aggregate lead to 5-3 at the break. It seemed as though the Nerazzurri were in control, but Barcelona had other plans.
The second half saw a resurgent Barcelona. Just nine minutes after the restart, Eric García pulled one back for the visitors with a stunning right-footed volley from Gerard Martín's cross, igniting hopes of a comeback. Seven minutes later, Dani Olmo leveled the score at 2-2 on the night, heading home another precise delivery from Martín. The aggregate score now stood at 5-5, and the tension in the stadium was palpable.
As the match approached its final minutes, Barcelona completed their remarkable turnaround. In the 87th minute, Raphinha found the back of the net, slotting in a rebound after Yann Sommer saved his initial shot. This goal put Barcelona ahead 6-5 on aggregate, and it appeared that they were on the brink of victory.
However, Inter was not ready to concede defeat. In a dramatic twist, Francesco Acerbi equalized for the hosts in the 90+3 minute. After a swift counter-attack, Dumfries delivered a low cross that Acerbi lashed into the roof of the net, sending the San Siro crowd into a frenzy and forcing extra time.
With both teams exhausted but determined, the extra time commenced. The decisive moment came in the 99th minute when Davide Frattesi, who had come on as a substitute, found himself in a pocket of space. He received a clever pass from Mehdi Taremi and curled a low shot past Szczęsny, reclaiming the lead for Inter at 4-3.
Barcelona pushed hard for another equalizer, with Lamine Yamal coming close on several occasions. However, Sommer was in outstanding form, making crucial saves to deny the visitors. Despite their relentless efforts, Barcelona could not find a way back, and the final whistle confirmed Inter's place in the Champions League final.
This match marked the joint-highest scoring semi-final in Champions League history, a testament to the attacking prowess and defensive frailties of both teams. Inter's victory not only highlights their resurgence in European football but also raises questions about Barcelona's defensive strategies, which were scrutinized throughout the match.
After the game, Inter's goalkeeper Yann Sommer expressed his elation, stating, "I'm very happy; we played an incredible match. Many teams would have given up after going down 3-2, but we didn't and managed to come back." Frattesi, the hero of the night, added, "I celebrated so loudly that my head was spinning. I thought I would never experience anything like this again in terms of emotions. But that's the beauty of football."
Inzaghi praised his team's determination, saying, "It took a super Inter: a round of applause for these guys, who put in two monstrous performances. After the first leg, we had the game plan in mind, but without the sacrifice and the help of all of us together, you can't do it." Meanwhile, Flick acknowledged his team's effort despite the disappointment, stating, "I'm very disappointed that we're out – but I'm not disappointed about the performance of my team. They tried everything. We're out, but next year we'll start again and make our fans happy."
Looking ahead, Inter will face the winner of the semi-final clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal in the final, set to take place in Munich on May 31. As they prepare for this monumental showdown, the Nerazzurri will carry the momentum from this unforgettable victory, aiming to add another Champions League trophy to their illustrious history.
This match will be etched in the memories of players and fans alike, serving as a reminder of the unpredictable and thrilling nature of football. With both teams showcasing incredible talent and heart, the San Siro bore witness to yet another chapter in the storied rivalry between two of Europe's elite clubs.
