In one of the most unforgettable Champions League semi-finals in recent memory, Inter Milan staged a dramatic late comeback to edge out Barcelona 7-6 on aggregate, booking their place in the 2025 final after a rollercoaster two-legged tie.
Trailing 3-2 on the night and facing elimination with just two minutes of stoppage time remaining, it was veteran centre-back Francesco Acerbi who ignited hope. The 37-year-old blasted a cross into the roof of the net to level the aggregate score, setting off frenzied celebrations as he tore off his shirt and sprinted across the pitch in pure elation.
But Inter weren’t done yet.
Just minutes into extra time, substitute Davide Frattesi completed the incredible turnaround. The midfielder curled a stunning left-footed strike into the bottom corner, sending Inter’s fans into delirium as he scaled a security fence to celebrate.
The result means Inter Milan, three-time European champions, have reached their second Champions League final in three seasons. The tie delivered an astonishing 13 goals, constant momentum swings, and a final twist that will be remembered for years.
Barcelona, heartbreakingly close to their first final in a decade, had fought back from a 2-0 deficit to lead 3-2 on the night—mirroring their comeback from the first leg. But despite their resilience, they fell just short. Teen sensation Lamine Yamal nearly forced penalties, but Inter keeper Yann Sommer produced two outstanding saves to preserve the lead and secure the Nerazzurri’s place in the final.
Inter will now await the winner of the second semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, with the French side holding a 1-0 advantage heading into the return leg in Paris. The final will be held at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena on Saturday, 31 May.
