Barcelona are out of the UEFA Champions League 2025 , In a match that will be etched into UEFA Champions League folklore, Inter Milan overcame Barcelona 4-3 after extra time at the San Siro on May 7, 2025, securing a 7-6 aggregate victory and a place in the final against Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal. The tie, which featured 13 goals across two legs, encapsulated drama, heartbreak, and sheer resilience, leaving fans breathless and players emotionally spent 11013.
Match Summary: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
First Leg: Barcelona 3-3 Inter Milan
The semifinal’s first leg in Barcelona set the tone for chaos. Inter stunned the hosts with Marcus Thuram’s cheeky backheel goal in the first minute and Denzel Dumfries’ acrobatic volley (21’). However, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal ignited Barça’s fightback, scoring a stunner (24’) before Ferran Torres equalized (38’). Dumfries struck again (63’), but a Yann Sommer own goal (65’) leveled the tie at 3-3, leaving everything to play for in Milan 813.
Second Leg: Inter Milan 4-3 Barcelona (AET)
First Half Dominance: Lautaro Martínez (21’) and Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s penalty (45+2’) gave Inter a 2-0 lead at halftime, seemingly putting them in control 310.
Barça’s Comeback: Eric García (54’) and Dani Olmo (60’) silenced the San Siro, leveling the tie on aggregate. Raphinha’s 87th-minute strike then sent Barcelona ahead for the first time in the tie, sparking wild celebrations among the traveling fans 710.
Last-Gasp Heroics: With seconds left, 37-year-old defender Francesco Acerbi became an unlikely hero, scoring his first Champions League goal (90+3’) to force extra time 112.
Extra-Time Decider: Substitute Davide Frattesi (99’) sealed Inter’s victory with a clinical finish, breaking Barça’s hearts and sending the Nerazzurri to their second final in three years 1013.
Key Moments That Defined the Tie
Acerbi’s Redemption: The veteran defender, criticized for defensive lapses earlier, redeemed himself with a striker-like finish to keep Inter alive 1213.
Frattesi’s Career-Defining Goal: The midfielder’s composure under pressure showcased Inter’s depth, with his goal equaling the highest-scoring semifinal in UCL history (7-6 aggregate) 1013.
Raphinha’s Tears: The Brazilian equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s UCL goal contribution record (21 in a season) but collapsed in tears post-match, symbolizing Barça’s agony 113.
Sommer’s Heroics: Inter’s goalkeeper made seven saves, including a stunning stop against Yamal in extra time, earning praise as the “Swiss Wall” 1012.
Statistical Breakdown: A Tale of Contrasts310
| Stat | Inter Milan | Barcelona |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 28% | 72% |
| Shots (On Target) | 13 (7) | 22 (10) |
| Pass Accuracy | 66% | 86% |
| Corners | 5 | 7 |
| Yellow Cards | 5 | 2 |
Barcelona dominated possession and outshot Inter, but the Nerazzurri’s clinical efficiency and defensive grit proved decisive. Hansi Flick’s side, missing key defenders Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde, struggled to contain Inter’s counterattacks, highlighting their defensive frailties 710.
Road to Munich: Inter’s Resilience Rewarded
Inter manager Simone Inzaghi hailed his team’s “warrior spirit,” while captain Lautaro Martínez dedicated the win to fans: “This is for everyone who believed when others doubted us” 13. The Nerazzurri now await the winner of PSG vs. Arsenal, aiming to replicate their 2023 triumph under Inzaghi’s tactical mastery.
For Barcelona, the defeat marks a decade without a Champions League final. Lamine Yamal’s emergence as a generational talent offers hope, but questions linger over their defensive rebuild and reliance on youth 812.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy Match
This semifinal transcended sport, delivering narratives of redemption (Acerbi), heartbreak (Raphinha), and legacy (Yamal). As Inter prepares for Munich, football fans worldwide will remember this tie as a testament to the game’s unpredictability and beauty.
External Links for Further Reading:
Stay tuned for updates on the Champions League final on May 31 in Munich, where Inter Milan will chase European glory once more. ⚽🏆
