Inter Milan reached the Champions League final after a thrilling two-legged tie against Barcelona ended 7-6 on aggregate. In one of the most dramatic semi-finals in the competition’s history, the Italian champions secured victory in the closing minutes of extra time.
Barcelona seemed set for their first final appearance in a decade, leading 3-2 on the night and 6-5 overall, but Francesco Acerbi struck two minutes into added time, blasting in the equalizer and igniting celebrations among the home crowd.
The momentum shifted again when Davide Frattesi, coming off the bench, curled a precise shot past the goalkeeper during the first half of extra time. The midfielder climbed the security barrier in front of the Inter supporters after scoring what proved to be the deciding goal.
This will be Inter’s second final in three years, following their defeat to Manchester City in 2023. The Nerazzurri, who lifted the trophy three times in their history, will now meet either Paris St-Germain or Arsenal in Munich on 31 May.
Relentless twists in a high-scoring classic
Just like the first leg in Spain, Inter began strongly. Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring after a powerful run and assist from Denzel Dumfries, and Hakan Calhanoglu added a second from the penalty spot just before halftime. That put the visitors in a difficult position, trailing 5-3 across both matches.
Barcelona responded with intensity after the break. Eric Garcia pulled one back with a controlled volley, and Dani Olmo made it level on the night with a diving header from Gerard Martin’s delivery. The comeback seemed complete when Raphinha found the net late on, converting after his initial shot had been blocked.
With the tie slipping away, Inter managed to respond. Acerbi’s equalizer forced the match into extra time, and although Barcelona had chances through Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski, Yann Sommer produced crucial stops to keep the Italian side in front.
Yamal came close twice to sending the tie to penalties, but Sommer’s brilliance in goal preserved the narrow lead. The encounter tied the record for most goals in a semi-final, equalling the 13 goals from Liverpool’s clash with Roma in 2018.
Both sides now turn to domestic challenges
Inter, crowned European champions in 1964, 1965 and 2010, have a chance to add a fourth title. Head coach Simone Inzaghi, who guided them to the final two years ago, has also kept them in the race for another Serie A title. They are currently three points behind Napoli with three matches remaining.
For Barcelona, this defeat ends their hopes of a sixth continental crown this season. However, their domestic campaign remains strong. Hansi Flick’s squad is top of La Liga, holding a four-point cushion over Real Madrid.
The Catalan club will host their rivals in a crucial El Clasico this weekend. With victories already in the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de España this season – both against Madrid – a win on Sunday could move them closer to a 28th league title and a domestic treble.
