In a Champions League semi-final for the ages, Inter Milan beat Barcelona 7-6 on aggregate to reach the final. The second leg, played in Milan before over 70,000 fans, ended 4-3 for Inter. The match was filled with goals, comebacks, and high drama. Barcelona led late in the game, but Inter scored twice to force extra time. Substitute Davide Frattesi’s strike sealed the win. It was one of the most exciting semi-finals in tournament history, tying the record for most goals in a knockout round.

Record-Breaking Night in Milan

The clash between Inter Milan and Barcelona will be remembered for its fast pace and emotional swings. Inter entered the second leg with a slight advantage after a 3-3 draw in Spain.

By halftime, they led 2-0 in Milan and 5-3 on aggregate. But Barcelona came alive in the second half. They scored three times to go 6-5 ahead overall. Raphinha’s goal in the 87th minute gave the Spanish side their first lead in the tie.

Just when it seemed over, 37-year-old Francesco Acerbi scored his first European goal. That made it 6-6 on aggregate. Extra time followed, and Inter found one last moment of magic.

In the 113th minute, Davide Frattesi struck the winner. The San Siro erupted. Players and fans celebrated a night they’ll never forget.

Fans Witness History

This 13-goal semi-final matched a record set in 2018, when Liverpool beat Roma 7-6. Speaking after the game, pundit Alan Shearer called the two legs “pure joy from start to finish.”

Inter’s players collapsed at the final whistle. They lay on the grass, smiling with tears in their eyes. For 20 minutes, they stayed on the pitch, saluting their loyal fans.

Coach Simone Inzaghi called it a “night of dreams” and praised his team’s spirit. “They gave everything,” he said. “We beat Barcelona — one of the best.”

A Change in Tactics and Spirit

Inter had built their campaign on solid defense. Before facing Barcelona, goalkeeper Yann Sommer had kept seven clean sheets. But over two legs, Barcelona fired 22 shots and scored six times.

Still, Inter stayed strong. They absorbed pressure and responded when it counted. Denzel Dumfries was key, scoring twice and assisting three goals across both games.

“Another crazy match,” said Dumfries. “Seven goals again — just unbelievable.”

Frattesi, the hero of the night, admitted the win left him dizzy with joy. “I screamed so hard, my head started spinning,” he said. “That’s the beauty of football.”

Eyes on Munich and the Trophy

Inter will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the final on May 31 in Munich. PSG leads 1-0 on aggregate going into their second leg.

This will be Inter’s second Champions League final in three seasons. They lost the 2023 final to Manchester City. But this time, they feel ready.

The Italian giants have not lifted the trophy since 2010, when José Mourinho led them to glory. No Italian team has won the Champions League since then.

Now, Inter has a chance to end that drought. They’ve gone 16 home games unbeaten in the tournament — their best run since the 1980s.

Inter’s journey has not been easy. Few picked them as finalists early in the season. Real Madrid and Manchester City were seen as the favorites. But both are out. Inter is in.

Coach Inzaghi said the team must now stay focused. “We’re not done,” he said. “We have one more final. One more dream to chase.”

With players like Dumfries, Sommer, and Frattesi stepping up, that dream feels closer than ever.