Inter Milan Triumphs Over Barcelona in Thrilling Champions League Semi-Final

Inter Milan pulled off an incredible 7-6 aggregate win against Barcelona in a heart-pounding UEFA Champions League semi-final at the San Siro, earning a ticket to the Munich final. The second leg, a 4-3 thriller that went to extra time, was a match fans won’t soon forget.

Under coach Simone Inzaghi, Inter raced to a 2-0 lead in the first half with goals from Lautaro Martínez and a penalty by Hakan Calhanoglu. Barcelona, down 5-3 on aggregate, fought back fiercely in the second half. Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo, and Raphinha scored to give them a 6-5 edge. But just when it seemed over, Francesco Acerbi tied it up in stoppage time, forcing extra time. Davide Frattesi then sealed the victory with a clutch goal for Inter.

The game was a rollercoaster, with Inter’s grit matching Barcelona’s attacking flair. Inter’s Denzel Dumfries was a standout, playing a role in five of their seven goals across both legs, while goalkeeper Yann Sommer made 14 saves, including a huge stop against Lamine Yamal. Barcelona’s Raphinha, with 31 goals this season, kept the pressure on, but their high defensive line left openings for Inter’s quick counters.

Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick, gave credit to his team, saying, “We showed heart in that second half, but little moments cost us.” Inter’s Frattesi, beaming after his winning goal, said, “I told Marcus [Thuram] we’d make it to the final, and we did it!”

The first leg had ended 3-3, with Marcus Thuram scoring just 30 seconds in, setting the tone for this wild tie. Inter’s unbeaten streak in their last 15 Champions League home games at the San Siro proved key.

Inter now waits to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the final. Barcelona’s young stars, like 17-year-old Yamal, showed they’ve got a bright future, but this unforgettable 13-goal semi-final belongs to Inter.