Introduction:
Football fans around the globe were glued to their screens yesterday, Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, as two European giants, Inter Milan and FC Barcelona, clashed in a breathtaking UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan. What unfolded was an absolute spectacle – a seven-goal thriller filled with dramatic twists, stunning goals, and a fight to the very last whistle. For those who missed it or want to relive the excitement, here’s a comprehensive match scorecard and the key highlights from this unforgettable encounter that saw Inter Milan edge out FC Barcelona with a 4-3 victory after extra time, securing a 7-6 aggregate win and a coveted spot in the Champions League final.
Match Summary:
Inter Milan and FC Barcelona delivered a semi-final for the ages. After a tightly contested first leg that ended 3-3 in Barcelona, the return fixture in Milan was a rollercoaster of emotions. Inter initially took a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half. However, Barcelona mounted a spirited comeback in the second half to take a 3-2 lead late in the game. In a dramatic turn, Inter equalized in added time to force extra time. The extra period saw both teams battling fiercely, but it was Inter Milan who ultimately found the decisive goal, sending their passionate fans into raptures and Barcelona crashing out of the competition in heartbreaking fashion.
Match Scorecard:
Inter Milan 4 – 3 FC Barcelona (After Extra Time) (Inter win 7-6 on aggregate)
Scorers:
- Inter Milan: Lautaro Martínez (21′), Hakan Çalhanoğlu (45′ – Penalty), Francesco Acerbi (90’+3′), Davide Frattesi (99′)
- FC Barcelona: Eric García (54′), Dani Olmo (60′), Raphinha (87′)
Starting Lineups:
- Inter Milan: Yann Sommer, Yann Bisseck (Matteo Darmian 71′), Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni, Denzel Dumfries (Stefan de Vrij 108′), Nicolò Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Piotr Zielinski 79′), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Davide Frattesi 79′), Federico Dimarco (Carlos Augusto 55′), Marcus Thuram, Lautaro Martínez (Mehdi Taremi 71′)
- FC Barcelona: Wojciech Szczęsny, Iñigo Martínez (Ronald Araújo 76′), Pau Cubarsí (Gavi 105′), Gerard Martín, Eric García (Héctor Fort 98′), Dani Olmo (Fermín López 83′), Pedri (Pau Víctor 105′), Frenkie de Jong, Ferran Torres (Robert Lewandowski 90’+1′), Raphinha, Lamine Yamal
Match Statistics:
| Statistic | Inter Milan | FC Barcelona |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 38% | 62% |
| Shots on Goal | 8 | 12 |
| Shots Off Goal | 6 | 9 |
| Corners | 3 | 7 |
| Fouls Committed | 21 | 14 |
| Yellow Cards | 5 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
Key Highlights of the Thrilling Encounter:
- Lautaro Strikes First: Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring in the 21st minute, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack and a well-placed assist from Denzel Dumfries.
- Çalhanoğlu’s Penalty Extends Lead: Just before halftime, Hakan Çalhanoğlu calmly converted a penalty after a VAR review deemed a handball in the Barcelona box, giving Inter a comfortable 2-0 cushion.
- Barcelona’s Second-Half Blitz: FC Barcelona emerged from the break with renewed vigor. Eric García’s powerful volley in the 54th minute ignited the comeback, followed by a well-directed header from Dani Olmo in the 60th minute, leveling the score.
- Raphinha’s Late “Winner”: In the 87th minute, Raphinha looked to have sealed Barcelona’s place in the final with a close-range finish after a goalmouth scramble, sending the away fans into elation.
- Acerbi’s Dramatic Equalizer: Just when it seemed Barcelona had snatched victory, Inter defender Francesco Acerbi rose highest in added time to head home a Denzel Dumfries cross, sending the match to extra time in dramatic fashion.
- Frattesi’s Extra-Time Decider: The tension in extra time was palpable. In the 99th minute, Inter substitute Davide Frattesi latched onto a flick-on from Mehdi Taremi and slotted the ball past the Barcelona goalkeeper, scoring the decisive goal that sent Inter to the Champions League final.
- Spectacular Goalkeeping: Both goalkeepers, Yann Sommer for Inter and Wojciech Szczęsny for Barcelona, made crucial saves throughout the match, contributing to the end-to-end excitement.
- Tactical Battles: The midfield duels and tactical adjustments from both managers, Simone Inzaghi and Hansi Flick, added another layer of intrigue to this captivating encounter.
Man of the Match:
While several players delivered outstanding performances, Inter Milan’s Francesco Acerbi was arguably the standout player. His late equalizer was crucial in keeping Inter’s hopes alive, and his overall defensive performance was solid against a potent Barcelona attack.
Implications for the Champions League Final:
Inter Milan’s hard-fought victory secures their place in the UEFA Champions League final, where they will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal, who play their semi-final second leg tomorrow. FC Barcelona, despite a valiant effort, will have to focus on their domestic campaign after this agonizing exit.
Conclusion:
The Inter Milan vs FC Barcelona semi-final second leg will undoubtedly go down as a modern Champions League classic. The seven goals, the dramatic twists, and the sheer intensity of the match showcased the very best of European club football. Inter Milan’s resilience and never-say-die attitude ultimately prevailed, earning them a well-deserved spot in the final. Football fans will be eagerly anticipating their opponent as they look forward to the grand finale.
