Inter Milan and Barcelona faced off in a thrilling Champions League semi-final that will be remembered for its drama and intensity, with Inter emerging victorious 4-3 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate after a nail-biting extra time. The match, held at the iconic San Siro on May 6, 2025, was a rollercoaster of emotions for both sets of fans, showcasing the high stakes of European football.
The first leg of the tie had ended in a sensational 3-3 draw at Montjuic, setting the stage for a clash that promised more fireworks. The return fixture did not disappoint, with both teams demonstrating their attacking prowess and resilience. Inter, under the management of Simone Inzaghi, were determined to capitalize on their home advantage, while Barcelona, led by Hansi Flick, aimed to secure their first Champions League final appearance since 2015.
As the match kicked off, it was Inter who took the initiative, with Lautaro Martinez opening the scoring early on. The Argentine striker, despite concerns over his fitness after limping off in the first leg, proved his worth by sweeping home the first goal of the evening. The home crowd erupted in joy as Inter doubled their lead shortly after, with Hakan Calhanoglu converting a penalty awarded for a foul in the box.
Barcelona, however, were not to be outdone. They showcased their fighting spirit, rallying back from a two-goal deficit. Eric Garcia got the visitors back into the game with a well-placed header from a Gerard Martin cross, igniting hope among the Catalan supporters. The momentum shifted further when Dani Olmo found the net, leveling the score at 2-2 and setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
With the clock ticking down, Raphinha appeared to have snatched a late winner for Barcelona in the 87th minute, sending the away fans into raptures. But just when it seemed the visitors would secure their place in the final, Inter's Francesco Acerbi struck back deep in stoppage time, equalizing and forcing the match into extra time.
As the action continued into the additional period, both teams pushed for a decisive goal. The tension was palpable, and it was Inter's Davide Frattesi who ultimately found the back of the net, guiding a calm finish past the Barcelona goalkeeper to secure the victory. The final whistle blew, and the San Siro erupted as Inter celebrated their progression to the Champions League final.
Post-match, the players expressed their elation and relief. Inter's Matteo Darmian remarked, "We never give up. That's Inter - we play with heart," highlighting the team's resilience throughout the match. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who made an impressive 14 saves across both legs, was awarded man of the match and reflected on the team's determination: "It was a crazy game. I am really proud of this team and how we played. We put everything on this pitch with the fans together."
On the other side, Barcelona's Eric Garcia acknowledged the challenges faced throughout the season, stating, "Nobody believed in us at the beginning. A lot of changes and changing the manager, really young players, and we need to be proud of our performance." His sentiments echoed the disappointment felt by the team, as they came so close to reaching the final.
Hansi Flick, the Barcelona manager, expressed his disappointment but also praised his team's efforts: "I'm very disappointed that we're out - but I'm not disappointed about the performance of my team. They tried everything." He further criticized the officiating, saying, "Every 50/50 decision was for them," reflecting the frustration of a coach whose side fought valiantly but ultimately fell short.
The match was not without its controversies, as tensions flared on the pitch. A heated moment occurred when Barcelona's Inigo Martinez appeared to spit at Acerbi, leading to a red card check that ultimately resulted in no punishment. The incident added to the already charged atmosphere of a match that had everything: skill, drama, and a fierce rivalry.
With this victory, Inter Milan now prepares for their second Champions League final in three years, where they will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in Munich on May 31, 2025. The team is riding high on confidence and will look to capitalize on their recent success to claim their fourth European title.
As the dust settles on this remarkable semi-final, both teams will reflect on their journeys in this season's Champions League. For Inter, the dream of European glory is alive and well, while Barcelona will regroup and look to build on the positives as they aim for redemption in the coming seasons.
