Frattesi’s Extra-Time Heroics Fire Inter Milan into Champions League Final After 7-6 Classic Against Barcelona

Inter Milan sealed their place in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final after a dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory over Barcelona at the San Siro, completing a staggering 7-6 aggregate triumph in one of the competition’s all-time great semifinals.

Davide Frattesi was the hero of the night, coming off the bench to score the decisive goal in the 99th minute, capping a pulsating encounter that saw both sides trade blows in a relentless battle of skill, will, and nerves. The Italian midfielder’s calm, curling finish sent the home fans into a frenzy and secured Inter’s first final appearance since 2023.

A Tale of Two Halves

The night began perfectly for Inter, who dominated the first half. Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a swift counterattack before Hakan Calhanoglu doubled their lead from the penalty spot just before the break, giving the Nerazzurri a crucial two-goal cushion.

However, Barcelona roared back in the second half. Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo found the net within six minutes to level the score on the night and the tie on aggregate. The Catalan side appeared to complete a remarkable turnaround when Raphinha bundled in from close range in the 87th minute, seemingly sending Barca through.

But Inter had other ideas.

Acerbi’s Stunning Equaliser

In stoppage time, 37-year-old defender Francesco Acerbi, playing his 20th European season, latched onto a Denzel Dumfries cross and rifled a stunning first-time shot past Marc-André ter Stegen. It was his first-ever European goal, one that carried enormous weight, forcing extra time in front of a raucous San Siro.

Frattesi’s Moment of Magic

Nine minutes into extra time, Marcus Thuram charged down the right flank and delivered a perfectly placed ball to Frattesi, who controlled it brilliantly before bending a low shot into the bottom corner. It was the moment that settled an epic clash and equalled the record for the highest-scoring semifinal in Champions League history.

Goalkeeper Yann Sommer was immense on the night, producing several crucial saves, including two from rising star Lamine Yamal, to preserve Inter’s slender lead.

What’s Next

Inter will now head to Munich later this month, eyeing their fourth European crown and their first since 2010. They’ll meet the winner of Wednesday’s other semifinal between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.

For Barcelona, dreams of a historic treble evaporated in the final moments. Having lifted the Copa del Rey and leading LaLiga, they must now turn their focus back to domestic matters, hosting Real Madrid this weekend in a potentially title-deciding Clasico.

Post-Match Reactions

“I screamed so much that I almost passed out,” Frattesi admitted after the game. “I wasn’t 100% in recent days, and I have to thank the medical staff for getting me ready. It’s surreal — tonight, the impossible happened.”

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia reflected on the disappointment: “Football has been very cruel to us tonight. The character this team showed to come back was incredible. We’re a young team, and this has been a great year. Now, we must fight for the league.”

A Night for the Ages

The 7-6 aggregate scoreline equals the previous Champions League semifinal record set by Liverpool and Roma in 2018, marking this encounter as one for the history books — a relentless, unforgettable night of European football in Milan.

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