Inter Milan claims a stunning 4-3 extra-time win over Barcelona to win the UEFA Champions League final after winning 7-6 on aggregate.
Inter Milan defeated Barcelona 4-3 in a fascinating UEFA Champions League semifinal after extra time to win 7-6 on aggregate after 2 legs. Lautaro, Calhanoglu, and an astonishing last-gasp equalizer by Acerbi had set up a winner from Frattesi. Barcelona rallied but could not manage to win a historic contest with an enormous number of goals.
A Night to Remember: Inter Milan Triumphs in UCL Semifinal Epic
On a magical night in footballing history at the San Siro, Inter Milan defeated FC Barcelona 4-3 to reach the final of the UEFA Champions League after extra time with a score of 7-6 on aggregate. Davide Frattesi, who came in as a substitute, was the game’s hero after scoring in the 99th minute and sending the Italian side to Munich. It was an unforgettable night of football, with everything a fan could want: the momentum swung back and forth, brilliant goals, last-minute equalisers, and amazing drama in extra-time.
First Half: Inter Was in Charge
Inter Milan got off to a great start. Lautaro Martínez scored the first goal in the 21st minute on a counter-attack to put Inter into the lead. Just before halftime, Hakan Çalhanoğlu converted from the penalty spot, giving Inter a dominant 2-0 lead.
Barcelona looked off the pace and struggled to match Inter’s intensity and pace.
Second Half: Barcelona Starts to Turn It On
The second half offered a reinvigorated Barcelona. Just six minutes in, Eric García and Dani Olmo leveled the scoring for the Catalan Giants. Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer was called into action repeatedly to keep Inter from conceding again.
Barcelona thought they had sealed the game when Raphinha scored in the 87th minute. But Denzel Dumfries found Francesco Acerbi, who fired a stoppage-time equalizer to force extra time.
Last-Gasp Drama: Frattesi’s Moment of Fame
Only nine minutes into extra time, Marcus Thuram raced down the wing and delivered a perfect pass to Davide Frattesi, who bent a lovely finish into the bottom corner—his first European goal this season.
Sommer came to Inter’s rescue again, denying Lamine Yamal with two stunning saves to seal the victory.
Inter’s Historic Night and Barcelona’s Heartbreak
With this epic win, Inter has reached their second UCL final in three years and will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal. It’s a shot at their fourth Champions League title and their first since 2010.
An emotional Frattesi told Sky Sports:
“I screamed so much I almost blacked out. I wasn’t feeling well these past days, so I dedicate this win to our physios. Tonight was unbelievable—I don’t even know what to say.”
Barcelona, meanwhile, must shift focus to La Liga, where they face Real Madrid, trailing by four points.
Eric García: “Football has been cruel. This team has shown immense character.”
A Semifinal for the Ages
This match joins the ranks of iconic UCL semifinals, such as Roma vs. Liverpool in 2017–18. With 13 goals across two legs, it stands as one of the highest-scoring semifinal ties ever. Both teams overturned two-goal deficits, and Acerbi’s equalizer will go down in Champions League history.
Thierry Henry on CBS Sports:
“That’s why we love football. Open play, passion, risks—this game had it all. Thank you, Inter. Thank you, Barcelona.”
Unscripted, Emotional, Heroic
Inter Milan vs. Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League semifinal was a celebration of everything football represents. With the final ahead, Inter prepares for another shot at European glory, while Barcelona reflects on what could have been.