In a sensational Champions League semi-final clash, Inter Milan overcame Barcelona 4-3 in a match that will go down as one of the greatest in recent history. Despite surrendering two-goal leads on two occasions and facing elimination with just minutes left on the clock, Simone Inzaghi’s Inter found strength in adversity to secure a 7-6 aggregate victory and book their place in the Champions League final for the second time in three seasons.
Inter’s remarkable resilience was tested throughout the two legs. Having conceded more goals against Barcelona than in their previous 12 matches combined, the Italian giants still managed to emerge victorious. When Raphinha scored late, it seemed Inter’s journey had reached its end. But in the 93rd minute, veteran defender Francesco Acerbi, who had never scored in the Champions League before and had not found the net since April 2023, rose to the occasion by flicking Denzel Dumfries’ cross into the roof of the net, sending San Siro into ecstasy.
Acerbi’s goal sealed a historic comeback, with Inter fighting until the final whistle. The team’s mix of experience and passion was clear throughout, with an average age of 30.1—one of the oldest in the tournament—compared to Barcelona’s 23.4. Under Inzaghi’s leadership, Inter remain unbeaten in their last 16 European home games and continue to carry the banner for Italy, a country whose footballing infrastructure has come under fire in recent years.
Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring in the 21st minute with an assist from Dumfries, followed by Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s penalty just before halftime after Pau Cubarsi fouled Martinez. Barcelona equalised with a volley from Eric Garcia in the 54th minute and a header by Dani Olmo in the 60th, as their pressure mounted. Inter were pushed back but never gave in. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer was instrumental, making crucial saves from Garcia and Yamal while also completing 61 touches—more than any player besides Alessandro Bastoni.
Barcelona continued to apply pressure, with Pedri and Frenkie de Jong orchestrating attacks. Raphinha scored his 13th goal in 14 Champions League games, nearly sealing the match, but Inter refused to break. Davide Frattesi, who had been injured days before, came off the bench to score the winning goal in extra time after a brilliant assist from Mehdi Taremi. His determination reflected Inter’s fighting spirit. “I wasn’t blessed with incredible talent, but I never give up and always believe,” Frattesi said.
With this victory, Inter not only advanced to the final but also reignited hopes for Italian football on the European stage. Despite financial issues and management challenges, they have proven that grit, strategy, and teamwork can triumph even over the most talented opponents.