Barcelona vs Inter Milan: A Semi-Final For The Ages
Great game and an even better read!
Another soccer/football/footy/whatever you call it article today!
Inter Milan vs Barcelona: A Champions League Classic for the Ages
A few days ago, Inter Milan and Barcelona delivered a Champions League semifinal that will be etched into European football history as one of the greatest matches ever played. In a showdown that wasn’t over until the final moments, Inter triumphed 4-3 after extra time, securing a 7-6 aggregate victory and booking their spot in the final in Munich.
After Barcelona scored late to make the aggregate 4-3, it felt like the comeback was complete. Everyone expected the Spanish giants to pull off a classic win. I even wrote that Barcelona had won—thinking there was no way Inter could find another goal. But just as I hit publish on Substack, that frickin’ team scored to tie the game.
First Leg
The first leg was already a thriller—a 3-3 draw packed with goals and intensity. But it was the second leg that delivered something truly unforgettable.
A Fast Start for Inter
Inter seized the initiative early in the second leg. In the 21st minute, Lautaro Martínez finished off a brilliant pass from Denzel Dumfries, putting the team up 1-0. Just before halftime, Hakan Çalhanoğlu buried a penalty to double Inter’s lead. At 2-0 on the night, it looked bleak for Barcelona.
But they fought back.
Barcelona’s Comeback Attempt
In the 54th minute, Eric García gave Barça hope with a well-taken goal. Just six minutes later, newly signed Dani Olmo — the former RB Leipzig star, delivered a beautiful header to tie the match at 2-2. That made the aggregate score 5-5. From there, both teams pushed forward, desperate for the next goal.
Barcelona had a few big chances, especially from set pieces, but couldn’t beat Inter’s keeper, Yann Sommer. Until the 86th minute.
Raphinha—considered by some a Ballon d’Or favorite—missed a golden chance but quickly redeemed himself. He scored to put Barcelona ahead 3-2 on the night and 6-5 on aggregate. The San Siro was stunned. Inter had let a 2-0 lead slip. With barely any time left, it looked like Barcelona had done the unthinkable.
The Equalizer
But Inter weren’t done. In the third minute of added time, 90’+3—Francesco Acerbi, a defender who had never scored in Champions League play and hadn’t scored all season, found himself in the right place at the right time. He converted and tied the game at 3-3, sending it to extra time. Aggregate: 6-6.
Extra Time
The additional 30 minutes were wild. In the 98th minute, substitute Davide Frattesi scored what would be the winning goal. He fired a shot past Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, giving Inter the 4-3 lead they needed. It was emotional, tense, and dramatic until the final whistle.
Inter Milan, once up 2-0, then down 3-2, fought back to tie and ultimately win 7-6 on aggregate. It was a close match, and a great game by both teams. However, though they almost lost the lead, Inter showed their togetherness and toughness in the face of pressure.
A Tough Loss for Barcelona
For Barcelona, it’s heartbreak. They gave it everything and showed incredible resilience throughout the Champions League campaign. With a young core featuring teenage superstar Lamine Yamal and rising center-back Pau Cubarsí, their future looks bright. But this one will sting.
An unforgettable game. A Champions League classic. And now, Inter Milan are headed to Munich.
Looking Ahead to the Final
Great, great win for the Italian club. Inter will now face PSG in the Champions League final on May 31st. That match could be electric. I recently wrote an article about PSG’s Désiré Doué and how he might become the future of both PSG and the French national team—he’s definitely one to watch that day.
If I had to make a prediction, I’d go with PSG. You can’t let in three goals and expect to win at the highest level. Yes, it was Barcelona, but Inter could’ve played better and you can’t forget they nearly choked the match.
My score prediction: PSG 3-2 Inter
Goals:
PSG: Dembélé (2), Zaïre-Emery (1)
Inter: Lautaro Martínez (1), Marcus Thuram (1)
Another electric game is on the horizon. Either team can win. (And DO NOT be surprised if Inter wins) I mean, it can literally go both ways.
Who do you think will come out on top? Drop your prediction in the comments. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
(And if you missed the match, check out the highlights!)
Also, make sure to subscribe to this publication to help me reach my goal of 300 subscribers by the end of July!