
Inter Milan Stuns Barcelona in Historic 7-6 Champions League Semifinal Thriller
In one of the most electrifying Champions League semifinals in history, Inter Milan defeated Barcelona in a record-equalling 7-6 aggregate victory, securing their place in the 2025 Champions League final in Munich. The match, filled with drama, late heroics, and breathtaking goals, will go down as one of the greatest European encounters ever.
A Night of High Drama at San Siro
Inter Milan entered the second leg with a 3-3 draw from Camp Nou, setting the stage for a nail-biting decider at San Siro. The Nerazzurri dominated the first half, with Lautaro Martínez opening the scoring in the 21st minute after a swift counterattack. Just before halftime, Hakan Çalhanoğlu doubled the lead from the penalty spot, putting Inter in firm control.
But Barcelona, known for their resilience, roared back in the second half. Eric García and Dani Olmo scored within six minutes of each other, leveling the tie. As the clock ticked down, Raphinha thought he had sealed Barcelona’s place in the final with an 87th-minute strike, sending the away fans into delirium.
Acerbi’s Fairytale Moment & Frattesi’s Heroics
With Inter on the brink of elimination, 37-year-old Francesco Acerbi became the unlikely hero. In the dying seconds of stoppage time, Denzel Dumfries found Acerbi in the box, and the veteran defender smashed home his first-ever European goal in his 20th professional season, forcing extra time.
The drama didn’t stop there. In the 99th minute, substitute Davide Frattesi delivered the knockout blow. A brilliant run from Marcus Thuram set up Frattesi, who curled a stunning shot into the bottom corner, sending the San Siro into pandemonium.
Sommer’s Heroics Seal the Deal
Barcelona pushed hard for another equalizer, but Yann Sommer produced two world-class saves to deny teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, ensuring Inter’s historic victory.
Inter’s Road to the Final
This victory marks Inter’s first Champions League final since 2023, where they lost to Manchester City. Now, under Simone Inzaghi’s leadership, they will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in Munich, aiming for their fourth Champions League title.
Barcelona’s Heartbreak & La Liga Focus
For Barcelona, the dream of a treble (after their Copa del Rey triumph over Real Madrid) was shattered. Defender Eric García admitted, “Football has been very cruel to us.” The Catalans must now shift focus to La Liga, where they hold a four-point lead over Real Madrid ahead of their crucial El Clásico showdown.
A Record-Equalling Semifinal
This 7-6 aggregate scoreline matches the 2017-18 semifinal between Liverpool and Roma, cementing its place in Champions League folklore. The match had everything—late drama, comebacks, and unforgettable moments.
Frattesi’s Emotional Reaction
“I’m lucky to have finished the game. I screamed so much that I saw everything black,” Frattesi told Sky Sport. “It’s incredible, I don’t know what to say. Tonight, the incredible happened.”
What’s Next?
- Inter Milan will prepare for the Champions League final in Munich.
- Barcelona must regroup for El Clásico, a match that could decide La Liga’s fate.
- Football fans worldwide will remember this epic semifinal for years to come.
Final Thoughts
This match was a masterclass in drama, passion, and unpredictability—everything that makes the Champions League the greatest club competition in the world. Inter Milan’s resilience and Barcelona’s fighting spirit provided a spectacle that will be talked about for decades.
Who will Inter face in the final? Can they lift the trophy after 15 years? Stay tuned for more updates!