Inter Milan Beat Barcelona in Extra-Time to Reach Champions League Final
toIn a thrilling encounter, Inter Milan triumphed 3-2 after extra time against Barcelona in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie, securing a 4-3 aggregate victory and a spot in the final for the first time in 15 years.
The match, held at the iconic San Siro, saw both teams give it their all in a relentless display of attacking football and resilient defense. With the first leg at Camp Nou ending in a 1-1 draw, the tie was finely balanced heading into the return fixture.
Barcelona took control of the match in the 27th minute when Robert Lewandowski slotted home calmly following a perfectly timed pass from Gavi.
The Polish striker’s goal put the visitors ahead on aggregate, but Inter quickly regained their composure and began to press for an equalizer.
Just before the halftime whistle, Inter found their breakthrough. Lautaro Martínez, ever the poacher, pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area and fired past Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen to make it 1-1 on the night, sending the tie back to level terms at 2-2 on aggregate.
The second half saw both teams attacking in waves, with Barcelona enjoying possession and Inter relying on quick counter-attacks. Despite the flurry of chances, neither side could break the deadlock, and the match was forced into extra time.
The game reached its fever pitch in the 98th minute when Inter midfielder Nicolò Barella unleashed a spectacular curling shot from outside the box that left Ter Stegen with no chance.
The San Siro erupted as Inter took a 2-1 lead on the night, giving them a vital advantage in the aggregate score.
However, Barcelona were far from finished. In the 110th minute, substitute Lamine Yamal stunned the crowd with a brilliant solo run and finish, beating Inter goalkeeper André Onana to pull Barcelona level at 2-2 on the night and 3-3 on aggregate.
With penalty kicks looming, it was Inter’s veteran midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu who had the final say. In the 117th minute, the Turkish international picked up the ball just outside the penalty area and unleashed a thunderous shot that rocketed into the top corner of the net, sending the Inter faithful into raptures.
Barcelona were unable to respond, and the final whistle confirmed Inter Milan’s 3-2 victory on the night and 4-3 on aggregate.
The victory marks a historic achievement for Inter Milan, who now return to the Champions League final for the first time since their triumph in 2010 under José Mourinho. Manager Simone Inzaghi has guided his side through a thrilling campaign, and the Nerazzurri will now await their opponents in the final, which will take place in Istanbul later this month.
Inter will face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, who will settle their semi-final in the coming days.
For now, however, it is a night to remember for the blue and black faithful, as their team prepares for the biggest stage in European club football.
With an emotional victory secured and the dream of lifting the Champions League trophy alive, Inter Milan’s 2025 journey continues.
