⚽ Overview
In the second leg of the semi-final, Inter Milan defeated Barcelona 4-3 after extra time in a match that will go down in Champions League history. Inter defeated a 3-3 draw from the first leg in this exciting match at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium, guaranteeing their spot in the final with a 7-6 aggregate score.
Inter Milan vs Barcelona: A Champions League Semi-Final for the Ages
In a match that will be remembered for its drama, intensity, and sheer unpredictability, Inter Milan edged out Barcelona 4-3 after extra time in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final, securing a 7-6 aggregate victory. The match, held at the iconic Giuseppe Meazza, was a footballing spectacle that showcased the best and worst of European club football
A Game of Nonstop Drama
Inter’s early surge in the first half
Inter Milan established their authority early in the game. Lautaro Martínez opened the score in the 20th minute by taking advantage of a Barcelona defensive blunder. After a VAR review for a foul on Martínez, Hakan Çalhanoğlu scored a well-taken penalty just before halftime to double Inter’s advantage.
Barcelona’s Resilient Comeback in the Second Half
Barcelona came back to life after the interval. home the 55th minute, Eric García headed home a Dani Olmo cross to cut the deficit. Then, in the 70th minute, Olmo scored a superb strike from outside the area to tie the score. Raphinha finished the comeback in the 87th minute, giving Barcelona a 3–2 lead and presumably advancing them to the championshipgame.Stoppage Time: Equaliser by Acerbi
Inter Milan, though, could not be ignored. Francesco Acerbi headed the ball past Barcelona’s goalie after rising to meet a cross in the 90+3rd minute, sending the game into extra time.
Frattesi’s decisive strike in extra time
Tension pervaded the next thirty minutes. Inter Milan took a 4–3 lead in the 113th minute when Davide Frattesi pounced on a pass from Marcus Thuram and put the ball in the nett. Barcelona tried, but Inter held strong and advanced to the final.
Important Performers
Yann Sommer (Inter Milan): The seasoned goalie played a key role in the match, making important saves, such as a stop against Lamine Yamal in the last seconds of regular time.
Francesco Acerbi (Inter Milan): His leadership in defence was crucial, and his late header in stoppage time preserved Inter’s chances.Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi scored the game-winning goal in extra time, displaying poise under duress.Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal was a continuous menace, setting up multiple chances and coming very close to winning in regular time.
Managerial Views
Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi: praised his team’s tactical discipline and tenacity, highlighting their combined efforts in conquering Barcelona’s obstacles.Despite the close loss, Barcelona’s Hansi Flick was proud of his team’s performance and emphasised the contentious calls that affected the game.
Gazing Ahead
Celebrating
With their win, Inter Milan advances to the Champions League final, where they will play either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain. The final, which is set for May 31, 2025, at Munich’s Allianz Arena, is sure to be an exciting way to cap off an unforgettable competition.
Inter’s early surge in the first half
Inter Milan established their authority early in the game. Lautaro Martínez opened the score in the 20th minute by taking advantage of a Barcelona defensive blunder. After a VAR review for a foul on Martínez, Hakan Çalhanoğlu scored a well-taken penalty just before halftime to double Inter’s advantage.
Barcelona’s Resilient Comeback in the Second Half
Barcelona came back to life after the interval. home the 55th minute, Eric García headed home a Dani Olmo cross to cut the deficit. Then, in the 70th minute, Olmo scored a superb strike from outside the area to tie the score. Raphinha finished the comeback in the 87th minute, giving Barcelona a 3–2 lead and presumably advancing them to the championship game.
