San Siro erupted in ecstasy as substitute Davide Frattesi fired home a 99th-minute winner to complete an astonishing 4-3 victory (7-6 on aggregate) over Barcelona on Tuesday night, sending Inter Milan into the UEFA Champions League final in one of the most dramatic semifinals in modern memory.
A Night of Chaos, Comebacks, and Champions League History
In a match that will live long in the memory of European football fans, Inter Milan clawed their way back from the brink not once but twice—first through 37-year-old veteran Francesco Acerbi’s heroic injury-time strike and then through Frattesi’s calm finish in extra time.
This pulsating encounter capped off a two-legged semifinal thriller that ended 7-6 on aggregate, sending Inter back to the Champions League final for the first time since 2023, when they lost to Manchester City.
They will now travel to Munich later this month to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal.
Match Summary: Inter 4-3 Barcelona (Agg: 7-6)
1st Half: Nerazzurri on Fire
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21′ – Lautaro Martínez opens the scoring on the counter.
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45+2′ – Hakan Çalhanoglu doubles Inter’s lead with a clinical penalty.
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Inter take a 2-0 lead into halftime, 5-3 up on aggregate.
2nd Half: Barça Fight Back
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52′ – Eric García pulls one back with a header.
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58′ – Dani Olmo smashes in the equalizer to level it 5-5 on aggregate.
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87′ – Raphinha bundles home what seemed like the winner.
Added Time Drama:
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90+5′ – Acerbi, in his 20th professional season, rifles home his first European goal to send the tie to extra time.
Extra Time Heroics:
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99′ – Davide Frattesi curls in a sumptuous winner after a dazzling Marcus Thuram run and assist.
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Yann Sommer makes two late saves to deny Lamine Yamal and preserve the win.
Ice in His Veins: Frattesi the Unlikely Hero
The 24-year-old Italian midfielder was not even certain to feature due to fitness issues, but after coming off the bench, he delivered the moment of his life.
“I screamed so much I saw black,” said a euphoric Frattesi post-match.
“The physios worked magic to get me fit. This goal is for them. Tonight, the incredible happened.”
Acerbi’s Moment of Immortality
Often a no-nonsense defender, Francesco Acerbi showed his attacking instincts when Inter needed them most.
At 37, he became the oldest goal scorer in a UCL semifinal since Paolo Maldini.
His last-gasp strike added another remarkable chapter to a career that has spanned two decades and multiple clubs.
Yann Sommer’s Wall: The Unsung Hero
Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer had a towering performance, especially in the dying moments. His two saves from 16-year-old phenom Lamine Yamal—one from point-blank range—kept Inter alive and now dreaming of a fourth European crown.
Barça’s Heartbreak: From Treble Dreams to Tactical Collapse
Barcelona had arrived in Milan dreaming of a historic treble, having already lifted the Copa del Rey and leading LaLiga by four points. But despite fighting back twice and showing flashes of brilliance, Xavi’s young team was left devastated.
“Football has been cruel. We fought hard, but sometimes character isn’t enough,” said Eric García.
Now, their focus shifts to Sunday’s El Clásico showdown with Real Madrid, which could define the domestic season.
What’s Next: Eyes on Munich
Inter will now await the winner of Paris Saint-Germain vs Arsenal, who face off in the second leg of the other semifinal on Wednesday. Whoever wins will meet the Italians at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May 28.
Inter’s last European triumph came in 2010 under José Mourinho. Could 2025 be the year Simone Inzaghi finally brings European glory back to the blue half of Milan?
