Inter Milan vs Barcelona Highlights: Key Moments From Semi-Final Thriller As Nerazzurri Book Spot in Champions League Final

Late Goals and VAR Drama Define Epic Semi-Final Clash at San Siro.

In a thrilling UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg at the San Siro, Inter Milan overcame Barcelona 4-3 after extra time. They sealed a 7-6 aggregate win to book their place in the final after two years. The match will go down in history as one of the best UCL semi-final nights, credit to its high drama, momentum swings, and decisive moments.

Inter Milan Dominate the First Half

Inter came into the second leg after a 3-3 draw in the first leg. They took the tie in their favor in the first half with two goals. Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring in the 21st minute, pouncing on a defensive error to slot home the first goal. Barcelona’s shaky start continued when Martínez earned a penalty late in the first half.

🥺💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/1totXKnDAU
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 6, 2025

However, it wasn’t Martinez who came forward to take the penalty on the verge of first-half break. Hakan Calhanoglu stepped up and coolly converted. Thus giving Inter a 2-0 lead and a 4-3 advantage on aggregate at halftime. Barcelona, however, mounted a spirited second-half comeback within the 60th minute into the game.

Barcelona’s Second Half Revival

Eric García gave them hope with a powerful header from a corner in the 54th minute. The Catalan side didn’t waste much time as Dani Olmo quickly followed it up with a second goal. His clinical finish after a slick attacking move in the 60th minute gave Barca hope. The two goals brought the match to a tie.

Also Read: Inter Milan vs Barcelona: Three Key Takeaways From the Champions League Decider Semi-Final

Barcelona’s Penalty Overturned

Drama ensued in the 75th minute when Barcelona were awarded a penalty. Lamine Yamal fell down into the box from what seemed to be a clear push. However, VAR intervened and the referee overturned the decision. It seemed clear that the contact was made just outside the box, turning the penalty into a free-kick.

Dying Moments Drama

Barcelona didn’t stop there as they continued to try and finally took the lead as Raphinha scored in the 87th minute. Thus, making it 3-2 for Barcelona on the night and 6-5 in the Catalan side’s favour on aggregate. Only five minutes were left on the clock and Barcelona only had to hold onto their lead.

Just when Barcelona thought they had one foot in the final, Inter equalized in stoppage time. Francesco Acerbi rose highest to meet a corner and powered a header past Wojciech Szczesny to send the match into extra time at 6-6 on aggregate.

Also Read: Inter Milan vs FC Barcelona Post-Match Reaction – Hansi Flick Press Conference, Barca Players Claim Unfair Ruling From Referee in the UCL

Extra Time

The decisive moment came in the 112th minute when substitute Davide Frattesi latched onto a loose ball at the edge of the box. He didn’t make a mistake to drill the ball into the bottom corner. Barcelona pressed desperately for another goal, but Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer stood firm. He made several crucial late saves to preserve the lead.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations in Milan, as Inter reached their first Champions League final after two years. They lost that final against Manchester City. Hence, they will be determined to make the best out of this final, where they will either face Arsenal or PSG.

Barcelona

Champions League

Inter Milan

Inter Milan vs Barcelona

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.