In a captivating and record-equalling semi-final showdown, Inter Milan have booked their place in the UEFA Champions League final for the second time in three seasons, overcoming Barcelona 4-3 after extra time at a vociferous San Siro. The Italian giants triumphed 7-6 on aggregate in a tie that will be etched in Champions League history for its sheer drama and abundance of goals.
Following last week’s exhilarating 3-3 draw in the first leg, the return fixture began with an electric atmosphere. Inter drew first blood early on when Federico Dimarco’s sharp interception in midfield allowed him to feed Denzel Dumfries, who squared the ball for Lautaro Martinez to tap into an empty net.
Barcelona threatened through Henrikh Mkhitaryan, whose shot grazed the post, but the momentum swung back in Inter’s favor just before halftime. A VAR review deemed Pau Cubarsi’s challenge on Martinez to be a foul, and Hakan Calhanoglu coolly dispatched the resulting penalty into the bottom-left corner, sending the San Siro into a frenzy and Barcelona manager Hansi Flick into a fit of frustration.
However, Barcelona, who have shown resilience in coming from behind previously, once again fought their way back into the tie after the break. Ten minutes into the second half, Eric Garcia volleyed home Gerard Martin’s cross into the top corner, igniting hope for the Catalan side.
The comeback continued when another inviting cross from Martin found Dani Olmo unmarked in the box, and he powerfully headed the ball past Yann Sommer to level the aggregate score. This marked the first Champions League semi-final to reach double figures in aggregate goals since 2022.
Barcelona seized the initiative, with young talent Yamal going close before they finally took the lead for the first time in the tie with just two minutes of normal time remaining. Raphinha unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that was initially saved by Sommer, but the Brazilian reacted quickest to slot the rebound into the far corner.
Just as Barcelona appeared to be on the cusp of a famous victory, Inter responded with remarkable resilience. Dumfries delivered a cross into the box, and Francesco Acerbi cleverly diverted the ball into the top corner at the near post, forcing the tie into extra time.
The additional 30 minutes saw Inter regain their lead. Marcus Thuram’s cushioned header found Davide Frattesi in space, and the midfielder calmly slotted the ball into the far corner. Frattesi could have added another, but Inter’s defense stood firm in the closing stages to secure a memorable victory.
Simone Inzaghi’s Inter Milan, the last Italian side to lift the Champions League trophy in 2010, will now head to Munich for their second final appearance in three seasons. They await the winner of the other semi-final clash between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
For Barcelona, their hopes of a treble have been dashed. However, they still have a domestic double within their sights as they prepare to face arch-rivals Real Madrid for the fourth time this season in just five days’ time. This thrilling semi-final will undoubtedly be remembered as a Champions League classic, showcasing the drama and excitement the competition has to offer.
