Inter Edge Barcelona in Instant Classic to Book Champions League Final Spot
Inter Milan are headed to the 2025 UEFA Champions League final after a breathtaking 4–3 extra-time victory over Barcelona at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza — sealing a 7–6 aggregate win in one of the most dramatic semi-final ties in the competition’s history.
A Night for the Ages in Milan
Simone Inzaghi’s men produced a comeback for the ages in a pulsating second leg filled with momentum swings, late drama and unforgettable goals. Facing elimination with just two minutes left in added time, veteran defender Francesco Acerbi slammed home a Denzel Dumfries cross to force extra time. Then, in the 99th minute, substitute Davide Frattesi curled in the winner to send San Siro into euphoria and punch Inter’s ticket to the final.
First Leg Fireworks Set the Stage
After the first leg ended in a wild 3–3 draw at the Camp Nou, expectations were sky-high for the return match — and the game somehow exceeded them. Inter once again opened the scoring, with Lautaro Martínez calmly finishing in the 21st minute after a slick Dumfries assist. Just before the break, Hakan Çalhanoğlu doubled Inter’s lead from the penalty spot, putting them 5–3 ahead on aggregate.
Barcelona’s Comeback and Late Heartbreak
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona refused to go quietly. They controlled possession in the second half and mounted an impressive comeback. Eric García’s well-taken volley cut the deficit, before Dani Olmo leveled the tie with a diving header from a Gerard Martín cross. Then came Raphinha’s scrappy finish in the 87th minute, which gave Barcelona their first aggregate lead of the tie at 6–5.
But Inter responded with trademark resilience. Acerbi’s thunderous strike in the 93rd minute dragged the match into extra time, and Frattesi’s composed finish just six minutes into the added period sealed the comeback. Barcelona continued to threaten late, with Yann Sommer producing two huge saves to deny Lamine Yamal, while Robert Lewandowski missed a golden chance with a header in stoppage time.
A Semi-Final for the History Books
The 7–6 aggregate score ties the mark for the joint-highest-scoring Champions League semi-final of all time, matching Liverpool’s 2017–18 triumph over Roma. For Inter, this marks their second trip to the final in three years, having lost to Manchester City in 2023. They now await either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in the final, to be held at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena on 31 May.
Inzaghi’s Inter Eyeing More Glory
It’s another landmark result for Simone Inzaghi, whose Inter side are still in the hunt for the Serie A title as well. They sit just three points behind leaders Napoli with three matches to play — keeping hopes alive for a league and European double.
Barcelona Left to Regroup
For Barcelona, the defeat stings — especially after coming so close. Still, they remain in position to complete a domestic treble, having already claimed the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España. A decisive El Clásico clash against Real Madrid looms on Sunday, with the La Liga title likely on the line.
But the night belonged to Inter Milan — a club built on grit, balance, and belief. Their return to the Champions League final proves that with the right mix of experience and heart, anything is possible in European football.
