Inter Milan Beats Barcelona 7-6 in UCL Semifinal
Inter Milan secures a 4-3 extra-time win over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg, advancing 7-6 on aggregate to the final.
The UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg between Inter Milan and Barcelona, played on May 6, 2025, at San Siro, was a footballing epic that ended with Inter Milan clinching a 4-3 victory after extra time, advancing 7-6 on aggregate. The match, which followed a 3-3 first-leg draw, was a rollercoaster of goals, drama, and resilience, securing Inter a spot in the final against either PSG or Arsenal.
Inter Milan Strikes Early
Inter Milan set the tone early, with Lautaro Martinez scoring in the 20th minute to give the hosts a 1-0 lead, making the aggregate 4-3. The Argentine forward broke Samuel Eto'o's record for most Champions League goals in a season for Inter, netting his ninth of the campaign. Hakan Calhanoglu doubled the lead from a penalty in the 42nd minute, putting Inter 2-0 up on the night and 5-3 on aggregate, silencing the traveling Barcelona fans.
Barcelona Fights Back
Barcelona, trailing by two goals, roared back in the second half. Eric Garcia pulled one back with a volley in the 57th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1 on the night and 5-4 on aggregate. Three minutes later, Dani Olmo leveled the score at 2-2 with a diving header, tying the aggregate at 5-5. The comeback was complete in the 87th minute when Raphinha scored after his initial shot was saved, giving Barcelona a 3-2 lead on the night and a 6-5 aggregate advantage.
Late Drama Forces Extra Time
Inter Milan refused to buckle. Just a minute after Raphinha's goal, Francesco Acerbi smashed a cross into the net, making it 3-3 on the night and 6-6 on aggregate, forcing extra time. The San Siro erupted as Inter seized the momentum, with fans sensing a historic turnaround.
In the first half of extra time, Davide Frattesi curled a left-footed shot past Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, giving Inter a 4-3 lead and a 7-6 aggregate advantage. Barcelona pushed desperately, with Lamine Yamal denied twice by brilliant saves from Yann Sommer and Robert Lewandowski heading over, but Inter held firm to secure their place in the Munich final.
Standout Performers
Lamine Yamal, despite the loss, was electric for Barcelona, creating chances and nearly equalizing in extra time. His performance reinforced his status as a generational talent. For Inter, Martinez and Calhanoglu set the tone, while Acerbi and Frattesi delivered in clutch moments. Yann Sommer's heroics in goal were pivotal, earning him widespread praise.
Injury Impacts
Barcelona missed Jules Kounde, sidelined by a hamstring injury from the first leg, which weakened their defense. Inter, despite concerns over Martinez and Benjamin Pavard, saw their captain return to make a decisive impact. The physical toll of the match may affect Inter preparations for the final.
Road to the Final
Inter Milan now heads to the Champions League final on May 31, 2025, at Allianz Arena, their second appearance in three years. They await the winner of the PSG-Arsenal semifinal, with PSG holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg. Barcelona, despite their exit, showed their attacking prowess, with Yamal and Raphinha offering hope for future campaigns. The match, one of the highest-scoring semifinals in Champions League history, will be remembered as a classic.
