⚽ UEFA Champions League 2025 Semi-Final, 2nd Leg — Match Report
In one of the most unforgettable nights in UEFA Champions League history, Inter Milan edged past FC Barcelona in an extra-time 4-3 thriller (7-6 on aggregate) to book their place in the 2025 UCL Final. Played under the floodlights of the iconic San Siro, the match featured a stunning mix of drama, goals, emotion, and controversy — everything you could ask for from a European classic.
📜 Match Timeline: Moment by Moment Breakdown
| Time | Event Description |
|---|---|
| 12' | ⚽ Lautaro Martínez opens the scoring for Inter |
| 29' | ⚽ Çalhanoğlu doubles the lead with a long-range stunner |
| 51' | ⚽ Eric García pulls one back for Barcelona |
| 67' | ⚽ Dani Olmo scores a classy equalizer |
| 88' | ⚽ Raphinha smashes one in to make it 3-2 Barca |
| 90+3' | ⚽ Francesco Acerbi equalizes late for Inter |
| 99' | ⚽ Davide Frattesi scores the extra-time winner |
This rollercoaster battle saw both teams lead, chase, and break hearts. Inter looked in control early on, but a spirited Barcelona comeback turned the tables — only for Inter to snatch victory at the death with a dagger through Blaugrana hearts.
🧠 Match Analysis: What Made This Clash Special?
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🔋 Inter’s High-Octane Start
Inter didn’t waste time. Lautaro Martínez showcased his elite movement and finishing, while Çalhanoğlu's rocket made it 2-0 inside 30 minutes. They were sharper, hungrier, and relentless early on. -
🔥 Barcelona’s Courageous Response
Just when it seemed like Barca were out, Eric García rose from a corner to pull one back, and Olmo brought composure into the midfield. Then came Raphinha’s 88th-minute goal — a brilliant volley that looked like the winner. -
💔 San Siro Shockwave
With fans already heading for the exits, Francesco Acerbi's injury-time header changed the fate of both clubs. People ran back inside. San Siro erupted again. -
👑 Frattesi, the Unexpected Hero
In the 99th minute, Davide Frattesi, a substitute, ghosted into the box and fired home. It was a goal worthy of sending Inter to the final — and worthy of writing into club legend.
⚖️ Controversies That Lit the Fuse
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👨⚖️ Flick vs Referee Marciniak
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was furious over refereeing decisions, especially in the build-up to Inter's third goal and a missed foul on Pedri. -
🤬 Spitting Incident: Unseen by VAR
Cameras caught Iñigo Martínez allegedly spitting at Acerbi during a scuffle. Though missed in-game, it’s now under UEFA review and could lead to disciplinary action. -
🤯 Missed Opportunities
Lewandowski missed two sitters, while Sommer pulled off a world-class save to deny Gündoğan. Fine margins defined this night.
📊 Player Performance Snapshot
| Player | Club | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Lautaro Martínez | Inter | Opened the scoring, tireless pressing |
| Davide Frattesi | Inter | Extra-time hero, game-winning goal |
| Yann Sommer | Inter | 7 saves, including two world-class stops |
| Eric García | Barcelona | Defensive leader, vital goal |
| Raphinha | Barcelona | Gave Barca the late lead with a brilliant goal |
🏁 What’s Next?
Inter Milan now awaits the winner of the PSG vs Arsenal semi-final. With this kind of form, depth, and spirit, the Nerazzurri look primed for glory as they march into their first Champions League final since 2010.
