In a thrilling encounter that will be remembered for years to come, Inter Milan triumphed over FC Barcelona with a score of 4-3 after extra time on May 6, 2025, securing a spot in the Champions League final. The match, held at the iconic San Siro, was nothing short of a rollercoaster, with Inter initially taking a commanding lead only to face a fierce comeback from Barcelona.
The game began with Inter in a confident mood, quickly establishing their dominance. Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring in the 21st minute, capitalizing on a defensive error from Barcelona. Dumfries, who had been a constant threat on the right flank, set up Lautaro perfectly, allowing the captain to slot the ball into the net with ease. The crowd erupted with joy as Inter took a 1-0 lead.
Just before halftime, Inter doubled their advantage when Hakan Çalhanoglu converted a penalty in the 45th minute. The penalty was awarded after Lautaro was brought down in the box by Cubarsì, and Çalhanoglu’s precise shot left Szczesny with no chance. As the first half concluded, Inter led 2-0 and looked poised to advance to the final.
However, the second half told a different story. Barcelona, known for their resilience, fought back fiercely. Eric Garcia scored in the 54th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1. The goal sparked a wave of momentum for the visitors, and just six minutes later, Dani Olmo leveled the match at 2-2, heading in from a well-placed cross.
As the match progressed, the tension escalated. Raphinha scored in the 87th minute, completing an incredible turnaround and putting Barcelona ahead 3-2. It seemed that Inter's dreams of reaching the final were slipping away, but in a dramatic twist, Francesco Acerbi scored a crucial equalizer in the 90+3 minute. The defender, who had pushed forward, connected with a low cross from Dumfries, sending the match into extra time with the scoreline at 3-3.
The extra time was filled with heart-stopping moments. Inter's goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, was a standout performer, making several crucial saves, including a miraculous stop against Yamal in the 113th minute. His heroics kept Inter in the game as both teams battled for supremacy.
In the 99th minute, Davide Frattesi became the hero for Inter, scoring the decisive goal that gave them a 4-3 lead. After receiving a clever pass from Taremi, Frattesi curled the ball into the bottom corner, igniting wild celebrations among the Inter faithful.
Despite Barcelona's attempts to respond, including a missed opportunity by Lewandowski in the 108th minute, Inter held firm. The match concluded with a score of 4-3, and the players celebrated their hard-fought victory, knowing they had written a new chapter in the club's storied history.
Post-match, Lautaro Martínez expressed his emotions, stating, "I was struggling, but I had to be on the pitch. I live for these moments, and I promised I would play, even if I wasn't at 100%. This team never gives up." Federico Dimarco echoed his captain's sentiments, emphasizing the team's unity and determination to win the final.
Summer's performance drew praise, with the goalkeeper acknowledging the special nature of his last save against Yamal. "I am very happy; it was an incredible match, and we believed until the end," Sommer said.
Frattesi, who scored the winner, could hardly contain his excitement. "What happened tonight is incredible. I was just focused on not giving up, and it paid off," he noted, reflecting on the rollercoaster of emotions throughout the match.
With this victory, Inter Milan not only advanced to the Champions League final but also demonstrated their resilience and fighting spirit, qualities that have defined their campaign. They will face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in the final, scheduled for May 31, 2025, in Munich.
This match at San Siro was not just a game; it was a celebration of football, showcasing the passion and drama that makes the Champions League so special. The fans left the stadium buzzing, proud of their team's performance and hopeful for what lies ahead.
