In what is already being hailed as one of the greatest matches in UEFA Champions League history, Inter Milan delivered a breathtaking performance to overturn Barcelona in a 4-3 thriller at the San Siro, sealing a 7-6 aggregate victory and booking their place in the 2025 Champions League final.
The second-leg encounter, played before a capacity crowd in Milan, saw goals, drama, and emotions run high as both European giants battled with relentless intensity over 120 unforgettable minutes.
A Night of High Drama
Having drawn 3-3 in the first leg at Camp Nou, the stakes were sky-high coming into the return fixture. Inter Milan, urged on by their passionate home support, wasted no time asserting dominance. Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring early, followed by a thunderous strike from Hakan Çalhanoğlu, putting the Nerazzurri 2-0 up and in command of the tie.
Barcelona, however, showed their championship pedigree. Eric García and Dani Olmo pulled the visitors level on the night, before Raphinha’s slick finish gave Xavi Hernández’s side a 3-2 lead, and a 6-5 advantage on aggregate.
The Frattesi Moment.
With both teams exhausted but unyielding, the breakthrough came in the 99th minute. A sharp counterattack saw substitute Davide Frattesi race into the box and fire home the decisive goal — his first in the competition — sparking wild celebrations across Milan and silencing the visiting contingent.
Record-Breaking Encounter
This semi-final will go down in history as the highest-scoring in the history of the Champions League, with a combined 13 goals over two legs. Comparisons are already being drawn with the legendary Italy vs. West Germany 1970 World Cup semi-final — and rightly so. It was a night that epitomized the magic of European football: fierce, tactical, unpredictable, and glorious.
What’s Next?
With this remarkable victory, Inter Milan secure their spot in the final set to take place in Munich later this month. They will face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain — a clash that promises to be yet another grand spectacle.
For now, though, the city of Milan celebrates. Inter have not only returned to the summit of European football — they’ve done so in style, with grit, flair, and unforgettable drama.
FactSphere will continue to bring you exclusive insights, match previews, and analysis as we approach the Champions League finale. Stay tuned.
