Inter Milan produced a sensational comeback to defeat Barcelona 4-3 after extra time on Tuesday, securing a place in the UEFA Champions League final following a 3-3 draw in the first leg.
The Italian side, who had recently been knocked out of the Coppa Italia and seen their domestic title hopes fade, took a 2-0 lead in the first half through Lautaro Martínez (21’) and Hakan Çalhanoğlu (45+1, penalty). However, Barcelona roared back in the second half with goals from Eric García (54’), Dani Olmo (60’), and Raphinha (88’), appearing to seal their spot in the final.
But Inter had other plans. Francesco Acerbi forced extra time with a dramatic equalizer in the 93rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Then, in the 99th minute, Davide Frattesi struck the decisive goal, sending the San Siro into raptures.
Barcelona had dominated possession early under German coach Hansi Flick, but struggled with the final touch. Inter’s direct approach proved more effective, and they punished a defensive error as Federico Dimarco intercepted the ball and fed Denzel Dumfries, who set up Martínez for the opener.
The game was filled with VAR drama and end-to-end action. Barcelona pushed hard in the second half, but Inter’s resilience and clinical finishing proved decisive.
Inter will now face the winner of the Paris Saint-Germain vs Arsenal tie—PSG lead 1-0 from the first leg—in the final set for May 31 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
