“It gave us everything. From start to finish, everything about this semi-final was pure entertainment.”
— Alan Shearer
For the second time in just six days, Inter Milan and Barcelona delivered a European classic for the ages — a footballing epic that ended with Inter edging out Barça 4-3 on the night, and 7-6 on aggregate, to reach the 2025 UEFA Champions League Final.
This semi-final wasn’t just another clash between European giants. It was a thriller that will live on in football folklore — a tie of twists, comebacks, heartbreak, and redemption. After a dramatic 3-3 draw in the first leg in Catalonia, Tuesday night at the San Siro produced even more chaos, tension, and raw emotion.
A Match of Twists, Comebacks & a Dramatic Finale
Barcelona entered Milan level at 3-3 on aggregate but were stunned by Inter’s intensity. Goals from Marcus Thuram and Nicolò Barella put the Nerazzurri 2-0 up by halftime and seemingly in control at 5-3 on aggregate.
But Barcelona, powered by their young core, mounted a furious response. They scored three unanswered goals — including an 87th-minute strike by Raphinha that gave them the aggregate lead for the very first time across both legs.
San Siro fell silent. Inter looked finished. But then came a moment for the history books. Francesco Acerbi, at 37 years old, scored his first-ever European goal to level the tie. Just minutes later, Davide Frattesi found the net, sealing a 7-6 aggregate victory that sent 70,000 Interisti into rapture.
⚽ A Semi-Final for the History Books
The 13-goal spectacle tied the record for the highest-scoring Champions League semi-final in history, matching Liverpool vs Roma in 2018.
Alan Shearer, covering live for Amazon Prime, summed up the emotion:
“Thank you, Inter Milan. Thank you, Barcelona. What we’ve witnessed has been very special. It’s been a pleasure to be here.”
Even neutrals admitted they didn’t want the match to end. The drama, the storylines, the sheer unpredictability — it was European football at its finest.
Tactical Chaos, Mental Resilience
Inter’s Champions League campaign had been defined by discipline and defensive solidity — eight clean sheets in earlier rounds. But against Barça, all structure went out the window. Across 210 minutes, Inter conceded more goals than in their previous 12 matches combined.
Barcelona peppered Inter with 22 shots, 10 on target, showing the firepower of their attack. But Simone Inzaghi’s side demonstrated incredible resilience, never allowing the tie to overwhelm them. Every setback was met with another surge forward.
Francesco Acerbi’s late goal epitomized that spirit. Having never scored in Europe, the veteran stepped up in the most pressurized moment imaginable. Frattesi’s winner soon after was less tactical than emotional — a team refusing to bow out.
San Siro: The 12th Man
The San Siro has witnessed countless magical nights, but this was one of its greatest. From the tifo before kickoff to the thunderous roar after Frattesi’s winner, the stadium was alive with raw passion.
Fans held their breath through every twist. After the final whistle, many players stayed on the pitch, embracing teammates and supporters in a scene of collective triumph.
“Inter were heading out. They were done. Somehow, they found a way. They deserve this.”
— Alan Shearer
The victory extended Inter’s unbeaten European home run to 16 matches, their longest since the 1980s.
Rivalry Reignited
This semi-final also revived a storied rivalry. Inter and Barcelona have clashed in some of the Champions League’s defining moments:
2010, when José Mourinho’s Inter eliminated Barça en route to the treble.
2019, when Barcelona dominated in the group stage against a rebuilding Inter.
And now, 2025, another two-legged battle of high drama.
This matchup reinforced why these clubs remain giants of European football — not just for their trophies, but for their ability to create unforgettable nights.
Standout Performances & Emotional Moments
Francesco Acerbi became the second-oldest goalscorer in a Champions League semi-final, behind Ryan Giggs.
Denzel Dumfries was outstanding across both legs, contributing 2 goals and 3 assists.
Davide Frattesi, the unlikely hero, admitted: “After Munich, I didn’t think I’d ever feel anything like this again… but that’s football.”
Manager Simone Inzaghi summed it up:
“It was an amazing night. One to share with our fans, our club, our families. The players did something extraordinary.”
What’s Next: A Date With Destiny
Inter now await the winner of the other semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. PSG lead 1-0 heading into Wednesday’s second leg. Whoever emerges will face Inter in the final in Munich on May 31.
For Italian football, the stakes are monumental. The last time an Italian club won the Champions League was Inter’s triumph in 2010. Fifteen years later, the Nerazzurri have the chance to end the drought and reclaim European supremacy.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a football match — it was a drama written in real time. Two giants of European football pushed each other to the brink and beyond, producing a tie of 13 goals, unforgettable comebacks, and emotional twists.
Barcelona fought valiantly, showing their resurgence under new leadership. Inter, though, embodied resilience — a team that simply refused to break.
When the story of the 2024/25 Champions League is told, this semi-final will sit among the greatest. And as Inter march on to Munich, one thing is certain: they do so carrying the hopes of a nation and the gratitude of football fans worldwide who witnessed something truly special.
