A Semifinal for the Ages
Inter Milan booked their spot in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final after surviving one of the most dramatic two-leg semifinals in the tournament’s history. A 4–3 extra-time win at San Siro gave them a 7–6 aggregate triumph over Barcelona — and a place in Munich.
Barcelona erased deficits three times across the tie and looked ready to complete another comeback after Raphinha made it 3–2 in the 87th minute. But Francesco Acerbi leveled in the 93rd, and Davide Frattesi delivered the winner in the 99th.
Sommer Shuts the Door Late
Inter still needed goalkeeper Yann Sommer to save the night. The Swiss international produced two match-saving stops, including a last-gasp denial of Lamine Yamal — who also struck the post in the final moments.
Now, Inter advance to face either PSG or Arsenal in the final on May 31.
A Match Like a Movie
From start to finish, this tie had everything:
- 13 goals
- 3 comebacks
- A 37-year-old cancer survivor scoring a semifinal equalizer
- Extra-time drama
- A teenage sensation nearly flipping the result
Inter weren’t just survivors — they were warriors. Lautaro Martínez struck first. Hakan Çalhanoğlu buried a key penalty. Frattesi claimed glory. Sommer delivered brilliance. Bastoni, Dumfries, Thuram, Barella — all played vital roles.
Barcelona didn’t go quietly. Dani Olmo and Eric García sparked a surge. Raphinha gave them hope. And Yamal… well, he nearly stole the show.
Inzaghi’s Underrated Revolution
Simone Inzaghi now leads Inter to their second final in three years. With a squad many called past its peak, he’s created one of the most tactically resilient teams in Europe. They don’t dazzle. They grind. And they win.
The respect is overdue — and well-earned.
Barcelona’s Brave Exit
This wasn’t a failure. Barcelona gave everything. They’ve already claimed the Supercopa and Copa del Rey. They remain top of LaLiga. And this semifinal run marked a return to relevance in Europe.
Yes, the high line cost them. Fatigue showed. But under Hansi Flick, they’ve become brave, modern, and united — led by a core of Yamal, Pedri, and a re-energized squad.
Yamal’s Coming-of-Age Night
Lamine Yamal was the best player on the pitch. At 17.
He blew past defenders, hit the post, forced elite saves, and carried Barcelona’s attack. In a Champions League semifinal. Away. In the rain.
He’s not just a rising star. He’s already among Europe’s elite.
VAR Plays a Pivotal Role
The first-half penalty awarded to Inter was controversial in real time — but the fourth replay confirmed contact by Pau Cubarsí. Without VAR, the decision may not have come. With it, the game turned.
Flick’s Bold Calls Nearly Work
Gerard Martín and Dani Olmo faced scrutiny before kickoff. Flick stuck with them. Martín assisted. Olmo scored. Both delivered.
Belief nearly turned into a miracle.
What’s Next?
Inter await the winner of Arsenal vs. PSG. And they’ll believe they can finish the job this time.
As for Barça? They exit the Champions League with pride — and with the future firmly on their side.
