San Siro delivers another classic as Inter Milan edge Barcelona in a thrilling semi-final second leg to reach their seventh Champions League final.
A European Epic at the San Siro
The iconic San Siro was the stage for another unforgettable Champions League classic as Inter Milan defeated Barcelona 4-3 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate to book a place in the final in Munich later this month. In a match that had everything — lead changes, late goals, extra-time drama — Simone Inzaghi’s Inter displayed grit, resilience, and unrelenting spirit to deny Barcelona a first final since 2015.
Inter stormed into a 2-0 lead by half-time through Lautaro Martinez and a calmly converted penalty from Hakan Calhanoglu. With the tie finely poised after last week’s 3-3 draw in Spain, it appeared the Italians had seized control. But Barcelona roared back in the second half, showcasing their attacking flair and determination under new boss Hansi Flick.
Barcelona’s Comeback and Late Despair
Barcelona’s revival began with Eric Garcia’s composed finish after a pinpoint delivery from young Gerard Martin. Minutes later, Dani Olmo rose to nod in the equaliser, again assisted by Martin, to bring the aggregate score to 5-5 and tilt the momentum in Barcelona’s favour.
The Spanish giants thought they had completed an astonishing comeback when Raphinha swept home a dramatic third in the 87th minute to make it 3-2 on the night. At that point, the Catalan side appeared destined for a long-awaited return to the final. But deep into added time, veteran defender Francesco Acerbi turned hero for Inter, pouncing on a loose ball to level the game and send the tie into extra time.
Frattesi Seals a Historic Win in Extra Time
With tensions high and tired legs all around, it was Davide Frattesi who provided the decisive moment. Just nine minutes into extra time, the Italian midfielder showed great composure to slot the ball past Barcelona keeper Marc-André ter Stegen, giving Inter a 4-3 lead and shifting the balance of the semi-final once more.
Barcelona fought valiantly to the end, with 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal coming closest to an equaliser, but Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer pulled off crucial saves to preserve the advantage. When the final whistle blew, San Siro erupted as Inter celebrated reaching their second final in three seasons — and seventh overall in their illustrious European history.
Inter’s Historic Run Continues Under Inzaghi
Under Simone Inzaghi, Inter Milan are once again a continental powerhouse. This marks their second Champions League final appearance in three years, having last reached the summit clash in 2023. If they triumph in Munich, it will be their fourth European title, putting them among the elite few — only six clubs have lifted the trophy four times.
Inter’s journey to this point has been nothing short of dramatic, with thrilling knockout wins and standout performances from key figures like Martinez, Calhanoglu, and Sommer. Inzaghi, often lauded for his tactical discipline and man-management, has brought the Nerazzurri back to the top table of European football.
Sheer Heartbreak for Barcelona
For Barcelona, this defeat will sting for some time. So close to ending a decade-long wait for a Champions League final, they collapsed in tears at full time. Raphinha’s late goal had seemingly done enough, but defensive lapses and a spirited Inter response proved fatal.
Lamine Yamal, the teenage prodigy, looked devastated as he was helped off the turf by Inter’s Marcus Thuram. The loss will be a bitter pill for Hansi Flick and his team, who had produced moments of brilliance but fell just short in a tie that will be remembered for years.
Now, all eyes turn to Wednesday’s second semi-final between PSG and Arsenal. Whoever emerges victorious will face Inter Milan on May 31 in Munich, in what promises to be another unforgettable night on European football’s grandest stage.
