Inter Milan one win from Champions League glory after Barcelona thriller

Inzaghi’s Inter Milan eye redemption in final after stunning Barcelona in semi-final.

Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi celebrates after scoring his team’s fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against FC Barcelona at San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, on May 6, 2025. Photo by Marco Bertorello/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Inter Milan are on the brink of Champions League triumph after edging out Barcelona in one of the most dramatic semi-finals in recent memory. The 7-6 aggregate win over the Spanish giants not only booked their place in the final but revived belief within a team that had looked fragile after falling short in their domestic treble bid. The Inter Milan Champions League journey continues with the final now in sight.

The Nerazzurri's season had taken a downward turn in recent weeks. Simone Inzaghi’s men lost their grip on the Serie A title race to Napoli and were knocked out of the Coppa Italia by bitter rivals AC Milan. Yet, in Europe, Inter found renewed fire—culminating in a chaotic, unforgettable performance against a Barcelona side stacked with world-class talent.

Inter Milan will now face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Munich. While their path is far from easy, it may prove less daunting than the one they faced in 2023, when they fell narrowly to Manchester City in Istanbul. That final, where Inter lost by a single goal, remains a bitter memory—one the club has used as motivation throughout this season’s European campaign.

Lautaro Martinez leads with passion and belief

Captain Lautaro Martinez encapsulated the emotion of the moment following the final whistle. Fighting back tears, he said, “We've been thinking about this since the day after we lost the last final. Now we've got to rest and finish the season well, knowing we have another opportunity to make history.”

The Argentine forward played through pain to make a significant impact. A hamstring injury had made him a doubt ahead of the game, but he not only started—he starred. Martinez scored one and won a penalty to give Inter a 2-0 lead by half-time in the second leg. His leadership and tenacity have been central to Inter’s Champions League push.

A match that defined 'Pazza Inter'

Inter Milan's reputation as "Pazza Inter"—Mad Inter—was fully justified during their 7-6 aggregate triumph. The semi-final was a back-and-forth contest of astonishing unpredictability. Barcelona, having clawed their way back, seemed poised for victory when Raphinha sparked what looked like a decisive comeback.

Then, in the dying stages of regular time, veteran defender Francesco Acerbi—at 37 years old—scored his first ever Champions League goal, sending the match into extra time. It was an extraordinary moment emblematic of Inter’s never-say-die attitude.

The final act came from substitute Davide Frattesi, who calmly slotted home the winning goal in extra time. For Barcelona, it was a crushing blow. The Spanish side, unused to being on the receiving end of historic defeats, watched helplessly as Inter's bench erupted in celebration.

A team built on spirit, not stars

Inzaghi’s Inter are a reflection of the financial realities of modern Serie A. Unlike Europe’s mega-rich clubs, Inter cannot rely on marquee signings. Instead, they depend on a collective spirit, tactical discipline, and moments of individual brilliance from a mix of veterans and emerging talents.

Martinez highlighted this after the match, stating, “We were up against a great team, but we've been raising our game for the last four or five years, every single year, and we're so proud of that.”

This unity has been forged in adversity. Since Inzaghi’s arrival in 2021—following the exit of Antonio Conte and the sale of several key players—Inter have had to rebuild. Inzaghi’s early tenure was marked by criticism, particularly after losing a tight title race to AC Milan and trailing Napoli by 18 points in the 2023 season.

Inzaghi's redemption arc

Now, Inzaghi is close to completing his redemption. From nearly losing his job to leading Inter Milan to a second Champions League final in three seasons, the former Lazio boss has grown into one of the most respected coaches in European football.

He has had to adapt, often improvising with a limited squad against clubs with far greater financial muscle. That adaptability has become one of his defining traits. His success this season is a testament not just to tactical acumen but to his ability to inspire belief in a group of players who, despite not being household names, continue to deliver on the biggest stages.

Inter’s Champions League campaign has been defined by character and resilience, from surviving the group stage to outlasting Barcelona in a high-scoring thriller. Each step has strengthened the team’s bond and deepened their ambition.

Eyes on Munich, legacy on the line

Inter Milan’s place in the final is not just a sporting achievement—it’s a symbolic moment for a club that has battled through financial instability and leadership uncertainty. With a change of ownership and tight budgets, Inter’s rise under Inzaghi is a blueprint for how clubs outside the financial elite can still compete at the highest level.

Now, with just one match separating them from their fourth European crown, Inter Milan are preparing for what could be a historic night in Munich. Whether they face Arsenal or PSG, the final will be a stern test—but nowhere near as chaotic and emotionally taxing as the battle against Barcelona.

Victory in the final would mark Inter's first Champions League title since 2010, when Jose Mourinho led them to an unforgettable treble. For Inzaghi, for Martinez, and for the loyal fans of Pazza Inter, the moment to make history has arrived once again.

The journey of Inter Milan Champions League redemption continues—this time, with destiny within reach.