The San Siro, packed with 75,504 screaming fans on May 6, 2025, as Inter Milan and Barcelona battle it out in the second leg of the 2025 UEFA Champions League semi-final. After a wild 3-3 draw in the first leg, I knew we were in for something special, but this match was pure insanity—a seven-goal thriller that ended with Inter clinching a 4-3 win and a 7-6 aggregate victory to reach the final. As a football fanatic, I’m still reeling from the drama, and I’m pumped to break it down for you: every heart-stopping goal, every hero, and what it means for both teams.
The Stage Was Set
The first leg in Barcelona was a goal-fest, with both teams trading blows like heavyweight boxers. Inter’s early strikes and Barcelona’s relentless attack left the tie hanging in the balance. Now, at the San Siro, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Inter, led by Simone Inzaghi, had the home crowd roaring, while Hansi Flick’s Barcelona banked on their attacking stars to pull them through. I’ve seen my share of Champions League nights, but the atmosphere here felt electric, like history was about to be made.
How It Went Down
Right from the kickoff, Inter came out firing. In the 21st minute, Lautaro Martínez sent the San Siro into a frenzy, slotting home a clinical goal on a counterattack to make it 1-0 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate. Just before halftime, Hakan Çalhanoglu doubled the lead with a cool penalty, pushing the score to 2-0 and 5-3 overall. I thought, “Barcelona’s in deep trouble now.”
But Barcelona doesn’t roll over. Early in the second half, Eric García rose high to head in a corner, pulling it back to 2-1 (5-4 aggregate). Six minutes later, Dani Olmo struck with a beauty, leveling the score at 2-2 and tying the aggregate at 5-5. My pulse was racing—this was anyone’s game. Then, in the 87th minute, Raphinha looked like he’d sealed it for Barcelona, weaving through defenders and smashing one past Yann Sommer for a 3-2 lead (6-5 aggregate). I was gutted for Inter fans, thinking it was over.
Then came the magic. Deep in stoppage time, Francesco Acerbi popped up with a thunderous header to equalize at 3-3 (6-6 aggregate), sending the match to extra time. The San Siro was a volcano! In the 99th minute, substitute Davide Frattesi etched his name in history, calmly finishing to secure a 4-3 win and a 7-6 aggregate triumph. Inter were headed to the final, and the celebrations were unreal.
Moments That Made the Difference
Here’s the play-by-play of the game’s defining moments:
21st Minute: Martínez Strikes First
Lautaro Martínez’s counterattack goal set the San Siro alight.45+1st Minute: Çalhanoglu’s Ice-Cold Penalty
Hakan Çalhanoglu’s penalty gave Inter a commanding lead.55th Minute: García Sparks Hope
Eric García’s header from a corner got Barcelona back in it.61st Minute: Olmo Levels It
Dani Olmo’s precise finish tied the score, swinging momentum.87th Minute: Raphinha’s Heartbreaker
Raphinha’s stunning goal nearly sent Barcelona to the final.90+3rd Minute: Acerbi’s Miracle
Francesco Acerbi’s stoppage-time equalizer forced extra time.99th Minute: Frattesi’s Glory
Davide Frattesi’s extra-time goal clinched Inter’s victory.
Who Stood Tall
This match was a showcase of players stepping up when it mattered most:
Inter Milan
Yann Sommer: This guy was a wall! Sommer made 14 saves across both legs, including clutch stops against Lamine Yamal. He’s the reason Inter stayed in it.
Lautaro Martínez: His early goal set the tone, and he ran himself into the ground for the team.
Hakan Çalhanoglu: Cool as ice on the penalty and a midfield maestro all night.
Francesco Acerbi: That equalizer was pure heart, and he was a rock at the back.
Davide Frattesi: Coming off the bench to score the winner? Legendary. He said, “I screamed so loud I nearly blacked out. This one’s for the team and our physios who got me ready” (The Athletic).
Barcelona
Eric García: His goal kept Barcelona alive, and he fought hard in defense.
Dani Olmo: That equalizer showed his class, always a threat in midfield.
Raphinha: His goal was a moment of magic, nearly stealing the show.
Lamine Yamal: Only 17, but this kid was electric, giving Inter’s defense fits.
Tactics Breakdown
Inzaghi had Inter dialed in: hit Barcelona on the break and make set pieces count. Martínez’s goal came from exploiting Barcelona’s high line, and Acerbi’s header showed their set-piece prowess. Bringing on Frattesi in extra time was genius—fresh legs sealed the deal. Barcelona, meanwhile, leaned on their attacking flair, pressing high and owning 72% possession in the second leg. Flick’s high line worked for their press but left gaps that Inter pounced on. I reckon Barcelona’s defense needed to be sharper, especially in those clutch moments.
By the Numbers
Here’s a snapshot of the stats that tell the story:
Metric | Inter Milan | Barcelona |
|---|---|---|
Goals Scored | 4 | 3 |
Shots on Target | 8 | 7 |
Possession | 28% | 72% |
xG (Expected Goals) | 2.28 | 2.81 |
Saves | 4 | 3 |
Passes Completed | 412 | 589 |
Key Goal Involvements | Frattesi, Acerbi | Raphinha, Olmo |
Barcelona dominated the ball, but Inter’s efficiency and Sommer’s saves were the difference.
What’s Next for Both Teams
Inter Milan
Inter’s headed to the Champions League final, where they’ll face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal. This win proves they’re back as a European force. Nights like this make you believe they can do anything.
Barcelona
It’s a tough pill for Barcelona, but they’ve got plenty to play for. They’re four points clear in LaLiga. Eric García summed it up: “Football’s cruel sometimes, but we showed heart. We’re young, hungry, and we’ll keep fighting for LaLiga”. They need to fix that defense if they want to dominate.
A Nod to History
This match reminded me of Inter’s 2010 semi-final win over Barcelona, when they went on to lift the trophy. With 13 goals across two legs, the 2025 tie is up there with the best, like Tottenham vs Ajax in 2019. It’s the kind of game you’ll tell your kids about.
Why This Game Hit Different
As a fan who’s watched football for years, this match was everything I love about the sport—goals, drama, and moments that make you leap out of your seat. Inter’s grit and Barcelona’s fightback showed why the Champions League is unmatched. For Inter supporters, it’s a night to cherish; for Barcelona fans, a chance to regroup and come back stronger. It reminded me of those late nights glued to the TV, cheering for every twist and turn.
Fan Perspective
I’ve been a football fan since I was a kid, and matches like this are why I’m hooked. The San Siro’s atmosphere, the third-and-forth goals, and Frattesi’s winner—it’s the kind of game that makes you fall in love with football all over again. I remember watching the 2010 semi-final with my mates, and this felt like a modern echo of that magic. Whether you’re an Inter diehard or a Barcelona supporter, this match was a celebration of the beautiful game.
Wrapping It Up
The Inter Milan vs Barcelona second leg was a footballing masterpiece. Inter’s heart, Sommer’s heroics, and Frattesi’s winner carried them to the final, while Barcelona’s attacking brilliance wasn’t quite enough and Barcelona’s brilliance fell just short.