The atmosphere was electric at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium as FC Barcelona faced off against Inter de Milán on May 6, 2025, in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final. With the first leg ending in a thrilling 3-3 draw, both teams were eager to secure their place in the final, set to take place in Munich on May 31.
Barcelona's coach, Hansi Flick, had to navigate through a challenging situation, missing key players like Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, Flick managed to assemble a competitive lineup that included Wojciech Szczęsny in goal, with a defensive line featuring Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, and Gerard Martín. In midfield, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Dani Olmo were tasked with controlling the game, while Ferran Torres led the attack, flanked by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the wings.
Flick’s decision to start with Gerard Martín, who recently shone with an assist in a La Liga match against Real Valladolid, was a pivotal choice. The 23-year-old has been a reliable option since Balde's injury, proving his worth in crucial matches. "I feel confident in my abilities and ready to contribute to the team," Martín stated before the match.
On the other side, Inter's coach, Simone Inzaghi, was equally determined to lead his team to victory. With Lautaro Martínez returning to the lineup after an injury scare, the Italian side was poised to capitalize on their home advantage. Inzaghi had rested key players over the weekend to ensure they were fresh for this high-stakes encounter.
The match began with both teams displaying aggressive tactics, eager to break the deadlock early. The first half saw several close calls, with both Szczęsny and Inter's goalkeeper, André Onana, making crucial saves. However, it was Inter who struck first, taking advantage of a defensive lapse from Barcelona. A well-placed cross found the head of Thuram, who scored in the 23rd minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Barcelona responded quickly, with Pedri orchestrating the play from midfield. His vision and passing accuracy were instrumental in creating opportunities. Just ten minutes later, Dani Olmo leveled the score with a stunning long-range effort that curled into the top corner, showcasing his talent and determination. The score was now 1-1, and the tension in the stadium was palpable.
The back-and-forth continued as Inter regained the lead through a goal from Barella, who capitalized on a defensive error from Barcelona. With the score at 2-1, Barcelona found themselves in a precarious position, needing to score to keep their hopes alive.
In the second half, Flick made tactical adjustments by introducing Robert Lewandowski off the bench. Although he had recently recovered from a muscular injury, the Polish striker's presence was felt immediately. His experience and skill provided a much-needed boost to the Barcelona attack.
As the clock ticked down, the urgency increased for Barcelona. With the score at 4-3 in favor of Inter, every possession counted. Ferran Torres, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, found himself in a promising position but was denied by a brilliant save from Onana. The tension was at an all-time high as both teams fought for every inch on the pitch.
Despite their best efforts, Barcelona could not find the equalizer. The match concluded with Inter emerging victorious, securing a place in the Champions League final. The disappointment was evident on the faces of the Barcelona players, who had fought valiantly but fell short in the end.
After the match, Flick addressed the media, stating, "We gave everything we had, but it just wasn’t enough today. We’ll learn from this experience and come back stronger next season." Meanwhile, Inzaghi praised his team’s performance, saying, "This was a hard-fought victory, and we showed great character to come back after conceding. We’re excited to head to the final and give our best for the fans."
As the dust settles on this intense semi-final clash, both teams will reflect on their journeys. For Barcelona, it’s back to the drawing board, while Inter looks forward to the challenge that awaits in the final. With both teams showcasing their talent and determination, this match will be remembered as a thrilling chapter in Champions League history.
