Inter Milan Triumphs Over Barcelona in Champions League Semi-Final Thriller
In a match that will be remembered as one of the most exhilarating in UEFA Champions League history, Inter Milan edged out Barcelona 4-3 after extra time, securing a 7-6 aggregate victory to advance to the final in Munich.
Match Overview
First Half: Inter's Early Dominance
Inter Milan took control early at the San Siro, with Lautaro Martínez opening the scoring in the 21st minute after a well-executed team move. Just before halftime, Hakan Çalhanoğlu converted a penalty, doubling Inter's lead and putting them ahead 5-3 on aggregate.
Second Half: Barcelona's Resurgence
Barcelona responded with determination in the second half. Eric García volleyed in a goal in the 54th minute, followed by Dani Olmo's header in the 60th, leveling the match at 2-2. Raphinha then gave Barcelona the lead in the 87th minute, making it 3-2 on the night and 6-5 on aggregate.
Late Drama: Inter Forces Extra Time
In stoppage time, Francesco Acerbi scored a crucial equalizer for Inter, bringing the match to 3-3 and tying the aggregate at 6-6, pushing the game into extra time.
Extra Time: Frattesi's Decisive Goal
Substitute Davide Frattesi became the hero for Inter, scoring in the 99th minute after a setup by Marcus Thuram. This goal secured a 4-3 victory on the night and a 7-6 aggregate win, sending Inter to the Champions League final.
Key Performances
Yann Sommer: Inter's Guardian
Inter's goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, delivered a stellar performance, making several crucial saves, including denying Barcelona's Lamine Yamal in the 95th minute, preserving Inter's chances.
Barcelona's Young Talent
Despite the loss, Barcelona's young players, including Lamine Yamal, showcased their potential, contributing significantly to the team's spirited comeback efforts.
Post-Match Reactions
Davide Frattesi (Inter Milan Midfielder)
"I don't know what happened. I just know I celebrated so hard that at one point my head was spinning and everything went black. This win is for the physios who helped me recover in time."
Simone Inzaghi (Inter Milan Head Coach)
"The team showed incredible character and resilience. Reaching the final is a testament to their hard work and determination."
Eric García (Barcelona Defender)
"Football has been very cruel to us. We showed great character to come back, but small details made the difference."
Hansi Flick (Barcelona Head Coach)
"I'm disappointed, but not with the players or their performance. They tried everything, and it is what it is. We're out, but next year we'll try again and try to make the whole club and the fans happy. Inter also plays and is a great team. They defend very well and have good forwards. They keep possession; they have good automatic mechanisms. I don't want to talk too much about the referee, but I think every 50-50 decision he made was for them. That's football; you have to accept it. We’ll learn. It’s a progression. We want to keep learning. We don’t have much time to train. We’ll be back next season. Now we need to focus on the Clásico. It's a great opportunity to show our mentality and finish the season strong."
Looking Ahead
Inter Milan will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the Champions League final scheduled for May 31 in Munich. This marks Inter's second final appearance in three years, as they aim to secure their fourth European title.
Published by Patrick Jane
06.05.2025