Barcelona vs Inter Milan Champions League semi-final match
Inter Milan Eliminate Barcelona in a Thrilling UCL Semifinal Classic to Reach the Fin
Milan, Italy – After 210 minutes of breathtaking football and a staggering 13 goals across two legs, Inter Milan have booked their place in the UEFA Champions League final for the second time in three years, eliminating Barcelona with a dramatic 7-6 aggregate win. It was a semifinal for the ages—packed with tension, momentum swings, and unforgettable moments.
On a rainy night at San Siro, it was Davide Frattesi who etched his name in Inter’s history books, scoring the decisive goal in the 99th minute of extra time, sealing a 4-3 second-leg win and completing one of the most thrilling European ties in recent memory.
A Match Full of Drama and Comebacks
Barcelona came into the second leg brimming with belief after a 3-3 draw at home in the first leg, having twice fought back from behind. But it was Inter who struck first again, with Lautaro MartÃnez opening the scoring before Hakan ÇalhanoÄŸlu doubled the lead from the penalty spot.
Yet once again, the Catalans refused to back down. They mounted another remarkable fightback, netting three second-half goals through Eric GarcÃa, Dani Olmo, and Raphinha. Their third goal, in the 87th minute, seemed to seal the comeback and the tie.
But Inter had other ideas. Just six minutes later, veteran defender Francesco Acerbi equalized in stoppage time, taking the game into extra time and setting the stage for Frattesi's heroics.
Frattesi and Sommer – The Unsung Heroes
While Frattesi will rightly earn the headlines for his match-winning goal, it was goalkeeper Yann Sommer who truly kept Inter in the game. The 36-year-old Swiss veteran produced a string of crucial saves, including two one-on-one stops against Lamine Yamal, denying Barcelona a late winner in regular and extra time.
Sommer, brought in under tight financial conditions to replace André Onana, proved that success in football isn’t always about big-name transfers. His composure, experience, and leadership were vital in securing Inter's place in the final.
Tactical Chess and Mental Resilience
Beyond the goals, this was also a masterclass in tactical flexibility and mental fortitude. Both managers—Hans-Dieter Flick for Barcelona and Simone Inzaghi for Inter—made bold decisions, shuffling their lineups and adapting their systems throughout the tie.
For Inter, standout performances came from Marcus Thuram, Nicolò Barella, Denzel Dumfries, and Alessandro Bastoni, who all gave everything on the pitch. Acerbi, once written off due to age and health struggles, delivered at the crucial moment, proving why experience matters in big games.
Yamal Shines Despite the Exit
Barcelona may have exited the tournament, but 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal was one of the stars of the semifinal. Fearless on the ball, creative in the final third, and constantly tormenting the Inter defense, Yamal came close to scoring multiple times but was repeatedly denied by Sommer’s brilliance.
His performance drew widespread praise, and even in defeat, he established himself as one of Europe's most promising young players. Yamal showed he belongs at this level—and that he might soon dominate it.
A Season to Remember for Barça
Despite the heartbreak, Barcelona’s season can still be deemed a success. The club, rebuilt around youth and under the guidance of Flick, has already won the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey, and is in a strong position to clinch La Liga.
The team showed incredible character throughout the season, mounting comebacks against Atlético Madrid, Benfica, and now Inter. While they fell just short of a Champions League final, their spirit and growth signal a bright future ahead.
VAR Controversy Adds to the Drama
One of the most debated moments came when Inter were awarded a penalty after a VAR review showed Pau Cubarsà failing to make contact with the ball when challenging Lautaro MartÃnez. The decision, which only became clear on the fourth replay angle, reignited debate about the role and influence of VAR in high-stakes games.
Flick’s Bold Calls Pay Off – Even in Defeat
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick faced criticism for his starting choices, particularly fielding Dani Olmo and Gerard MartÃn after their struggles in the first leg. However, both repaid his faith—Olmo scored and MartÃn assisted in the final goal.
Flick's trust in his squad and his ability to inspire belief were evident throughout the tie, even if the final result didn’t favor his side.
A Date with Destiny
Inter Milan now look ahead to the Champions League final in Munich on May 31, where they will face the winner of the Paris Saint-Germain vs Arsenal semifinal. After losing to Manchester City in the 2023 final, the Nerazzurri are back with vengeance in their hearts and one mission: to bring the trophy back to Milan.
For Barcelona, attention now turns to El Clásico and the La Liga title race—a potential consolation after falling just short in Europe.