Barcelona supporters were left feeling deeply disappointed and disheartened following their team’s dramatic exit from the UEFA Champions League semi-final. Despite a valiant effort, Barcelona was narrowly defeated by Inter Milan in a thrilling second-leg clash that ended 4-3 in favor of the Italian side. Over the course of the two legs, Inter Milan emerged victorious with an aggregate score of 7-6, securing their place in the final. The match itself was a high-octane, back-and-forth contest that spanned 210 grueling minutes, with both teams showcasing tremendous skill, determination, and heart.
Throughout the encounter, Inter Milan managed to take the lead on six different occasions. However, each time they pulled ahead, Barcelona responded, refusing to back down. It wasn’t until extra time that Inter finally held onto their lead, thanks to a decisive goal by Davide Frattesi, which ultimately sealed their place in the final.
One of the match’s most controversial and pivotal moments involved 17-year-old Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal. During a crucial attacking sequence, Yamal was brought down by Inter midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan near the edge of the penalty area. Referee Szymon Marciniak initially awarded a penalty to Barcelona, raising hopes among fans and players. However, after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Marciniak reversed his decision and instead awarded a free kick just outside the box. According to ESPN rules analyst Dale Johnson, this change was justified because, in cases of fouls caused by tackles, it is the location of the initial contact that determines the spot of the foul. He explained that if the first contact occurs outside the penalty area, then it is not considered a penalty, even if the momentum carries the player into the box afterward.
Key Moments and Match Highlights:
Inter Milan’s Goals:
Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring in the 21st minute by finishing a well-executed team play.
Just before halftime, in the 45th minute, Hakan Calhanoglu successfully converted a penalty after Pau Cubarsí committed a foul on Martínez inside the penalty area.
Francesco Acerbi brought Inter level once more in the 93rd minute with a goal that forced the match into extra time.
Davide Frattesi scored the decisive goal in the 99th minute during the first half of extra time, ultimately sending Inter Milan through to the final.
Barcelona’s Goals:
Eric Garcia scored in the 54th minute with an impressive volley.
Dani Olmo followed up six minutes later, heading the ball into the net in the 60th minute.
Raphinha kept Barcelona’s hopes alive by scoring in the 87th minute.
Reactions After the Match:
Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi expressed immense pride in his team’s effort, praising the passion, grit, and teamwork his players demonstrated. “It required an exceptional Inter to come through this challenge,” he said. “Applause is due for these players, who delivered two extraordinary performances full of courage and sacrifice.”
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, while acknowledging the strength and experience of the Inter side, remained optimistic about his own team’s future. “We have a very young squad, and we showed great quality throughout this tie,” he said. “We will grow from this experience and come back stronger next season with our sights set on winning the Champions League.”
With their hard-fought victory, Inter Milan has secured a spot in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final, where they will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal on May 31 at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.
