Inter Milan are heading to the Champions League final after producing one of the most thrilling semi-final victories in recent memory, edging Barcelona 7-6 on aggregate in a match that had everything — drama, goals, heartbreak, and pure football magic.
At the San Siro, under the floodlights and pouring rain, Inter Milan overcame a late scare to defeat Barcelona 4-3 on the night after extra time, thanks to a last-gasp winner from Davide Frattesi in the 99th minute. It was the kind of game that leaves fans breathless and players in tears — and one that will go down in Champions League history.
Inter Milan Start Fast and Furious
It didn’t take long for Inter Milan to make their mark. In the 21st minute, Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring after a brilliant move from wing-back Denzel Dumfries.
Minutes before halftime, Hakan Çalhanoğlu doubled the lead from the penalty spot after a VAR decision against Pau Cubarsí for a foul on Martínez.
At 2-0 up, the home crowd was roaring, but anyone who has watched this Barcelona side this season knows they never go down quietly.
Barcelona’s Comeback Sparks Chaos
The second half belonged to Barcelona — at least for a while. Eric Garcia pulled one back in the 54th minute with a fierce volley, and just six minutes later, Dani Olmo headed in the equalizer after another sharp cross from Gerard Martín. Suddenly, the tie was back on level terms.
In the 87th minute, it seemed like Barcelona had completed the comeback of dreams when Raphinha slammed home a rebound to give them a 3-2 lead on the night and a 6-5 aggregate advantage. But Inter Milan were not done yet.
Inter Milan Refuse to Quit
With just seconds left of normal time, Francesco Acerbi, the veteran defender, popped up with a stunning strike to make it 3-3 and send the match into extra time.
The roar inside San Siro was deafening — and it wasn’t just from the fans. Even Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi ran onto the pitch in celebration.
Extra time saw chances at both ends, but the decisive moment came in the 99th minute. Davide Frattesi, who was a doubt for the match due to injury, found himself unmarked in the box and calmly slotted home the winner.
It was a goal born of composure, timing, and belief — and it sent Inter Milan back to the Champions League final for the first time since 2023.
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Defensive Grit and Big-Game Nerve
Despite conceding six goals over two legs, Inter Milan showed incredible mental toughness. They were under pressure for long spells, especially during Barcelona’s second-half surge, but their ability to stay in the game and deliver key moments under pressure was a testament to their maturity.
Goalkeeper Yann Sommer pulled off several key saves, while defenders like Bastoni, Dumfries, and Acerbi fought for every ball. Midfielders Çalhanoğlu and Barella worked tirelessly to regain control when things looked like slipping away.
It wasn’t a flawless performance, but it was full of heart — and that’s exactly what got Inter Milan through.
Barcelona’s Brave Exit
Credit must also go to Barcelona, who played with flair, aggression, and youthfulness. Coach Hansi Flick saw his side lead for only five minutes across the entire 210 minutes, but they came within seconds of knocking out a European giant.
Young talents like Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, and Gerard Martín showed their promise. But in the end, Barcelona’s defensive frailties were exposed — they simply gave Inter Milan too many openings.
As the final whistle blew, Barcelona players collapsed in exhaustion and despair, while Inter Milan celebrated one of the most dramatic nights in their history.
Inter Milan’s Road to the Final
This victory marks a major milestone in Inter Milan’s season. They’ve now knocked out two of Europe’s best clubs in back-to-back rounds and head to the final with belief and momentum. Head coach Simone Inzaghi praised his side’s resilience:
“We’ve beaten two of the best teams in Europe — that doesn’t happen by luck. These players have heart, and tonight, they gave everything for this badge.”
The final awaits — and Inter Milan will be there, ready to fight for the crown they so narrowly missed in 2023.
