“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 an unforgettable European night — 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 fans will talk about for decades. After a dramatic 3-3 draw in the first leg in Catalonia, Tuesday night in Milan brought even more chaos, tension, and raw emotion.
A Match of Twists, Comebacks & a Dramatic Finale
Barcelona entered the San Siro trailing 3-3 on aggregate and quickly found themselves 2-0 down by halftime, 5-3 on aggregate. But the La Liga leaders roared back with three unanswered goals, with Raphinha’s 87th-minute strike putting them ahead for the first time across both legs.
Then came the moment of redemption: Francesco Acerbi, at 37 years old, scored his first-ever European goal to level the aggregate and force extra time. Just minutes later, Davide Frattesi sealed the tie with a dramatic winner that sent 70,000 Inter fans inside San Siro into absolute rapture.
⚽ A Semi-Final for the History Books
This tie became the joint-highest scoring Champions League semi-final in history, matching the 13-goal thriller between Liverpool and Roma in 2018.
“Thank you, Inter Milan. Thank you, Barcelona. What we’ve witnessed has been very special. It’s been a pleasure to be here.”
— Alan Shearer, live from San Siro for Amazon Prime
Next Up: Inter vs. PSG or Arsenal
Inter now await the winner of the other semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, who meet on Wednesday in France with PSG leading 1-0 from the first leg. The final will take place in Munich on 31 May.
No Neutrals Wanted It to End
As Polish referee Szymon Marciniak blew the final whistle at 23:38 local time, exhausted Inter players collapsed to the turf in triumph. They stayed on the pitch long after full-time, soaking up the moment with their roaring fans.
“Inter were heading out. They were done. Somehow, they found a way. They deserve this.”
— Alan Shearer
Defensive Solidity Shattered — But Resilience Remained
Coming into this semi-final, Inter had built their campaign on clean sheets and discipline, recording eight shutouts in the competition. But across 210 minutes against Barcelona, they conceded more goals than in their previous 12 matches combined.
Barça unleashed 22 shots, 10 on target, and scored three goals in just 33 minutes. But Inter held their nerve, fought back, and emerged victorious.
“What happened? I don’t know! I celebrated so loudly my head was spinning.”
— Davide Frattesi, match-winner
Will Inter End Italy’s 15-Year Wait?
The last time Inter won the Champions League was in 2010, under José Mourinho. Since then, no Italian side has lifted the trophy. But this season may change that.
Despite not being favorites initially, data firm Opta rated them as third most likely to win — behind Real Madrid and Manchester City, both now out. Inter are now unbeaten in 16 home games in Europe — their best run since the 1980s.
“It was an amazing night. One to share with our fans, our club, our families. The players did something extraordinary.”
— Simone Inzaghi, Inter Manager
Standout Performances & Emotional Moments
- Francesco Acerbi became the second oldest goalscorer in a Champions League semi-final, only behind Ryan Giggs.
- Denzel Dumfries was instrumental, ending the two legs with 2 goals and 3 assists.
- Frattesi, the unlikely hero, reflected: “After Munich, I didn’t think I’d ever feel anything like this again… but that’s football.”
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a football match — it was a story of passion, perseverance, heartbreak, and glory. A battle between two giants who gave the world 13 goals, endless drama, and unforgettable memories.
Now, Inter march on to Munich, chasing the dream of becoming European champions once again.
