In a breathtaking Champions League semi-final clash at the San Siro, Inter Milan defeated Barcelona 4–3 in the second leg, clinching a 7–6 aggregate victory to advance to the final in Munich on May 31, 2025.
The encounter was the culmination of a two-leg battle packed with drama, goals, and controversy.
The first leg at Barcelona’s Montjuïc Olympic Stadium ended in a spectacular 3–3 draw. Inter Milan stunned the home crowd early with goals from Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries, but Barcelona roared back through teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres. A second-half own goal by Inter keeper Yann Sommer ensured the tie was finely poised heading into the decisive match in Milan.
In the second leg, Inter seized control when Hakan Çalhanoğlu calmly slotted home a penalty. Barcelona responded with their characteristic flair, as Lamine Yamal once again found the net. However, Francesco Acerbi’s equalizer and a critical extra-time goal pushed Inter beyond Barcelona’s reach, sealing the 4–3 victory.
The match was not without controversy. A possible handball by Alessandro Bastoni and the penalty decision against Barcelona’s young defender Pau Cubarsí sparked heated debates. Tensions also boiled over with a confrontation between Iñigo Martínez and Acerbi, although no cards were issued.
With this win, Inter Milan books its spot in the Champions League final, where they will face the winner of the Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain semi-final. The Nerazzurri will now prepare for their shot at European glory on May 31 at Munich’s Allianz Arena, aiming to lift the trophy for the first time since 2010.
