In one of the most electrifying UEFA Champions League semi-finals ever witnessed, Inter Milan edged Barcelona 4-3 after extra time (7-6 aggregate) in a pulsating encounter at the San Siro.
The match, already a sequel to a 3-3 first-leg thriller, delivered relentless drama, heroic comebacks, and a record-tying 13-goal aggregate scoreline, cementing its place among the competition’s greatest spectacles.
Inter struck first in the 21st minute when Federico Dimarco’s high press forced a turnover, allowing Denzel Dumfries to square a pass for Lautaro Martínez’s simple tap-in.
Controversy followed on the stroke of halftime as Pau Cubarsí’s challenge on Martínez prompted a VAR-reviewed penalty.
Hakan Çalhanoğlu converted coolly, sending Inter into the break 2-0 ahead and seemingly in control.
Barcelona emerged transformed after halftime. Eric García ignited hope in the 54th minute with a stunning volley from Gerard Martín’s cross, before Dani Olmo’s thunderous header leveled the tie at 5-5 aggregate six minutes later.
Despite Yann Sommer’s heroic saves—including a point-blank denial of García’s second attempt—Barcelona completed their comeback in the 87th minute. Raphinha pounced on a rebound after Sommer parried his initial shot, slotting home to put Barça ahead for the first time in the tie.
Yet Inter’s resilience shone through. In the 93rd minute, Francesco Acerbi, a 37-year-old defender, smashed home Dumfries’ cross to force extra time, sending the San Siro into delirium.
The chaos continued as substitute Davide Frattesi became the hero in the 99th minute. After a clever link-up with Marcus Thuram, the Italian midfielder curled a left-footed strike into the far corner, celebrating wildly with Inter’s fans.
Barcelona nearly equalized through Lamine Yamal, but Sommer’s full-stretch save in the 114th minute preserved Inter’s lead, ensuring their place in the final.
Inter manager Simone Inzaghi hailed his team’s grit: “It took a super Inter. These players gave me everything. With heart, we overcame every obstacle”
Barcelona’s Hansi Flick praised his squad’s effort but lamented refereeing decisions: “Every 50-50 call went their way. Still, I’m proud—we’ll return stronger”.
The tie matched Liverpool-Roma’s 2018 record for most goals in a semi-final (13) and highlighted Inter’s tactical adaptability and Barcelona’s youthful daring. For Inter, the victory marked a second final in three years, a testament to their European pedigree. For Barça, the defeat underscored growing pains under Flick, despite flashes of brilliance from Yamal and García
As Inter prepare to face Arsenal or PSG in Munich on May 31, this match will endure as a testament to football’s capacity for chaos, beauty, and unyielding drama.
Leave a Reply