Key moments as Inter Milan edge Champions League semi-final classic with Barcelona
Inter Milan's Francesco Acerbi celebrates after scoring during the Champions League semifinal second leg soccer match between Inter Milan and Barcelona at San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (Spada/LaPresse via AP)
13 minutes - Thuram chance
Marcus Thuram, who scored the fastest ever Champions League semi-final goal in the previous leg after 30 seconds, is released by Lautaro Martinez.
Wojciech Szczesny averts the danger before an offside flag is raised, indicating the Nerazzurri’s intentions.
21 mins – ‘El Toro’ strikes
Federico Dimarco forces a turnover and finds Denzel Dumfries. The San Siro erupts as Dumfries squares for Lautaro Martinez to score his ninth European goal of the season.
The Argentine superstar races away to his adoring fans.
25 mins – Barca penalty appeal
Danny Olmo causes momentary panic in the Italians’ six-yard box. Barcelona’s penalty appeals, for an apparent Francesco Acerbi handball, are denied after a VAR check.
40 mins – Yamal flickers
Lamine Yamal’s increasing influence sees the 17-year-old scuff a shot wide after entering the box.
The Barcelona wonderkid is at it again soon after, evading two challenges before Alessandro Bastoni’s last-ditch tackle prevents a goal-bound shot.
Barcelona's Lamine Yamal reacts after a missed scoring opportunity. Pic: AP Photo/Luca Bruno.
Barcelona's Lamine Yamal reacts after a missed scoring opportunity. Pic: AP Photo/Luca Bruno.
45+1 mins – Inter score again
Martinez races into the penalty area and is brought down by Pau Cubarsi.
A lengthy VAR check results in a penalty despite Hansi Flick and his Barcelona players’ angry remonstrations. Hakan Çalhanoğlu makes no mistake from the spot. 2-0 and Inter are in complete control.
Eric Garcia’s thumping volley finds the top corner a minute after Inter’s Acerbi has a diving header ruled out for offside.
It is a much more open semi-final second leg now. 2-1 and game on.
57 mins - Sommer time
Yann Sommer produces the save of this season’s Champions League. The Inter goalkeeper somehow repels Garcia’s six-yard attempt following a three-on-two breakaway form deep in Barca territory.
60 mins – Dani levels it
From two down, a dominant Barcelona are rewarded for their increased efforts and make it 2-2 and 5-5 on aggregate. An unmarked Dani Olmo heads powerfully into the net and Inter are reeling.
Yamal remains a constant threat whenever on the ball. Out of nowhere, the Barcelona playmaker’s curling effort brings the best out of Sommer. Inter are struggling.
88 mins – Raphinha scores
Fermin Lopez’s perceptive pass ends with Sommer stopping Raphinha’s initial left-footed effort.
The Brazilian and makes no mistake from the rebound, hammering a right-footed scorcher past Sommer.
From 2-0 down to 3-2 up with less than two minutes remaining. Surely, Barcelona are going through?
Barcelona's Raphinha celebrates after scoring his side's third goal. Pic:AP Photo/Luca Bruno.
Barcelona's Raphinha celebrates after scoring his side's third goal. Pic:AP Photo/Luca Bruno.
90+3 mins – Inter equalise
Having thrown away a two-goal advantage, a dogged Inter force extra-time when Dumfries strips Cubarsi on the edge of the box and crosses for Acerbi to thump home. Mamma Mia, it is 3-3 and we are going to extra-time.
ET 8 mins – Nerazzurri regain the lead
Thuram goes down the right wing, reaches the byline and cuts back for Mehdi Taremi to cushion a pass into substitute Davide Frattesi path.
The Italian finishes off a patient move by curling home a beauty 8 minutes into extra-time. It is raining heavily now but Inter lead 7-6 on aggregate.
ET 15 mins- Ref angers Inter
The Serie A side are incensed as Polish referee Szymon Marciniak blows for half-time in extra-time with Taremi having broken free down the left channel.
ET 18 mins – Lewandowski must score?
Yamal makes space when none seemed available and manages to scoop a cross into the Inter six-yard box. Sommer fails to reach it but Robert Lewandowski heads over an empty net from six yards. What a chance.
A diving Wojciech Szczesny denies Frattesi’s stinging drive from the edge of the penalty area. Both teams are out on their feet.
Lamal strides forward on the right wing before cutting in and arrowing a left-footer towards the top corner.
Sommer goes full length to prevent a certain goal. The same goalkeeper denies the Barcelona winger for a second time shortly after.
Finally, it is all over. The San Siro rises to acclaim both teams. An instant Champions League classic.
Inter versus Barcelona would have been the perfect final but it is the Italians, surviving a few late scares, who progress to face either PSG or Arsenal in this season’s decider.
x
Subscribe to access all of the Irish Examiner.
From as little as €1 a week with our digital introductory offer.
Already a subscriber? Sign in