In a night that will go down in Champions League folklore, Inter Milan roared into the final after outlasting Barcelona in a pulsating 4-3 extra-time victory at the San Siro, sealing a 7-6 aggregate triumph in a semi-final for the ages.
The Nerazzurri, last crowned champions of Europe in 2010, proved once again that history has a funny way of repeating itself. In a match that had it all—drama, flair, controversy, and jaw-dropping goals—Inter showed grit and brilliance in equal measure to break Catalan hearts.
A Roaring Start in Milan
After an exhilarating 3-3 draw in the first leg at Montjuïc, the return fixture promised fireworks, and it did not disappoint. With the San Siro bouncing and fans in full voice, Inter exploded out of the gates.
Federico Dimarco pounced on a loose ball in midfield, snapping into a tackle and springing a lightning-fast counter. His perfectly weighted pass released Denzel Dumfries down the flank, and the Dutchman delivered a low cross that Lautaro Martinez coolly tapped into an empty net. It was the perfect start for Simone Inzaghi’s side—and just the beginning of an extraordinary night.
— cc (@tier_firstt) May 6, 2025
Moments later, Henrikh Mkhitaryan came inches from doubling the lead, curling just wide of Wojciech Szczesny’s post. But Inter would not be denied for long.
A VAR check late in the first half ruled Pau Cubarsi’s sliding challenge on Martinez to be a fraction late. The referee pointed to the spot, and Hakan Calhanoglu stepped up with ice in his veins, sending Szczesny the wrong way to put Inter 2-0 up on the night and 5-3 ahead on aggregate.
Barcelona’s Resurgence Begins
Down and seemingly out, Barcelona dug deep. Just ten minutes into the second half, Gerard Martin sent in a looping cross, and Eric Garcia rose like a skyscraper to thunder home a volley into the top corner. The goal sparked a shift in momentum and belief.
Garcia nearly added another, but Barcelona kept pushing. Another perfect delivery from Martin found Dani Olmo unmarked, and the 17-year-old phenom planted a header into the net. Suddenly, the tie was level, and the Blaugrana were flying.
Barça Turn the Tide, but Inter Refuse to Die
The visitors completed their stunning turnaround with just minutes to spare. Raphinha’s initial shot was saved by Yann Sommer, but the Brazilian made no mistake on the rebound, blasting a low rocket into the far corner to give Barça the lead for the first time across both legs.
Que virada foi essa #ChampionsLeague #inter #barca #barça #barcelona #InterMilan pic.twitter.com/8NpD02HtWQ
— Impacto Diário (@ImpactoDiario_) May 6, 2025
Cue scenes of ecstasy among the traveling fans—but Inter were not done.
As the clock ticked toward 90, Dumfries—brilliant all night—found Francesco Acerbi with a pinpoint cross. The veteran defender met it with a sublime finish, lifting it into the top corner at the near post. 3-3 on the night. Extra time loomed.
⚽️ BUUUUUUUUUUT DE ACERBI (90+3′)
INTER 3-3 BARCELONE (6-6) pic.twitter.com/NDMFcpMleX
— NAZAIRE⭐ CHINWA (@sadracnazaire1) May 6, 2025
Frattesi the Hero in Extra Time
With the San Siro now a cauldron of emotion, Inter came out in extra time like a team possessed. Marcus Thuram burst down the left and curled in a teasing cross. Mehdi Taremi cushioned the ball into the path of Davide Frattesi, who took a touch and passed it into the bottom corner with the composure of a seasoned striker.
The Inter bench erupted. The fans were delirious. The score: 4-3 on the night, 7-6 on aggregate.
Frattesi had a chance to double his tally and seal the game, but it wasn’t needed. Inter’s defense—led by Alessandro Bastoni and Acerbi—held firm in the dying moments as Barcelona pressed for an equalizer that never came.
From Milan to Munich
When the final whistle sounded, it was sheer euphoria. The San Siro trembled with joy as players embraced, tears fell, and chants rang out. For Simone Inzaghi, it was vindication; for Inter fans, it was a throwback to Mourinho’s 2010 magic.
Barcelona, meanwhile, saw their dreams of a treble vanish into the Milan night. Despite a spirited effort and breathtaking goals, their European journey ends in heartbreak once again.
With the win, Inter now set their sights on Munich, where they will face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in the final at the Allianz Arena. One more step remains in what has already been an unforgettable campaign.
A match packed with 13 goals, two comebacks, and a moment of glory for Frattesi, this semi-final will be remembered for years to come. It was more than a game. It was a masterpiece.
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