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Inter vs Barcelona: The Greatest Champions League Semifinal Ever
Mattia Ozbot - Inter/Inter via Getty Images

Inter vs Barcelona: The Greatest Champions League Semifinal Ever

Originally posted on Athlon Sports  |  By Emmanuel Mendez  |  Last updated May 6, 2025 8:32 PM ET

Inter Milan and FC Barcelona have delivered the most dramatic UEFA Champions League semifinal tie of all time. In modern history, this tie has been one of the most competitive semifinals.

In the end, it's Inter Milan who will play in the 2025 Champions League final in Munich. Inter defeated FC Barcelona 4-3 in extra time and won 7-6 on aggregate. Inter reaches the final once again since 2023, and Barcelona falls short like they did in 2019.

The Italian giants last won the Champions League in the 2009-10 season, when they also eliminated Barcelona in the semifinals. Inter and Barcelona both played well today, and in the first leg, which delivered incredible moments that will last forever. 

Inter 4-3 Barcelona (E.T) (7-6 Agg.)

After the first leg finished 3-3, Barcelona and Inter entered the second leg with everything to play for. Inter are currently losing out on the league title, while Barcelona were looking forward to winning another treble since 2015. 

In the first half, Inter looked more dangerous as the crowd at San Siro was loud as ever. A mistake by Dani Olmo in the 21st minute led to Federico Dimarco stealing the ball and sending a through ball to Denzel Dumfries.

Dumfries sends the ball to Lautaro Martinez, who finishes the ball past Wojciech Szczesny to open the score. Martinez would be key again just before halftime as he wins a penalty after Pau Cubarsi fouls him in the box. Hakan Calhanoglu scored the penalty, and Inter were leading 2-0 at halftime. 

Spoiled Remontada 

Throughout the whole season, Barcelona were able to score lots of goals in a matter of minutes. It happened again on the biggest stage. Gerard Martin assisted Eric Garcia, who scored a beauty to make it 2-1. 

Six minutes later, Martin sends a perfect cross to Olmo, who heads the ball past Yann Sommer to equalize. Barcelona kept the pressure on Inter, and in the 87th minute, Raphinha scored Barca's third to make it 3-2 and complete a comeback. Barca were minutes away from reaching their first UCL final since 2015.

Martin loses the ball on the edge of the box, and Dumfries takes the ball. In the 93rd minute, his pass goes to Francesco Acerbi, who scores the equalizer to send the game to extra time.

During extra time, momentum was towards Inter, and in the 99th minute, Davide Frattesi scored in the box to complete Inter's comeback. Shots from Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, and others would not get past Sommer during extra time, and the final whistle blew.

The Best Players of the Tie

For Inter Milan, Denzel Dumfries and Yann Sommer have had two remarkable games in this semifinal tie. Dumfries scored a brace in the first leg, and in the second leg, he got a brace of assists. Sommer made seven saves in each match, with two being contenders for save of the season.

For FC Barcelona, Lamine Yamal was the clear star across both legs. In the first leg, he scored an incredible goal that left many fans in shock. In the second leg, he produced 14 dribbles and five shots on target. He was a danger to the Inter defense but was unlucky not to score in Italy.

Post-Match Reactions

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was very proud of the team during the post-match press conference. The Barca players were visibly upset after the final whistle, with players like Raphinha, Gerard Martin, and Lamine Yamal crying on the pitch. 

After Flick's thoughts about the referee, the coach wanted to congratulate Inter and wished them luck in the final on May 31st. 

Inter striker Lautaro Martinez revealed his feelings ahead of the second leg. He was reportedly set to miss the game today due to the injury he had last week, but he just made it. He scored the opener today and won a penalty in 71 minutes played. 

Lautaro Martinez: I spent two days crying at home. I didn't want that, I didn't want to not play. I put on a tight bandage and went out onto the pitch. That's who I am, and that's how I live football. I cried a lot after the first leg, but I promised my family I'd play the game."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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