FC Barcelona and Inter Milan faced each other in a thrilling UEFA Champions League semi-final during the 2023–24 season. The first leg, held at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, ended in a 3–3 draw, while the return leg at the San Siro in Milan saw Inter clinch a dramatic 4–3 extra-time victory, securing a 7–6 aggregate win.
🏟️ First Leg: Barcelona 3–3 Inter Milan (Montjuïc, April 30, 2025)
The semi-final first leg was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing attacking prowess. Inter Milan stunned the home crowd by taking the lead within the first minute through a cheeky back-heel goal from Marcus Thuram, marking the fastest goal ever scored in a Champions League semi-final. Denzel Dumfries extended Inter’s lead in the 21st minute with an acrobatic volley from a corner.
Barcelona responded swiftly, with Lamine Yamal pulling one back in the 24th minute after a brilliant solo run and finish. Ferran Torres equalized just before halftime, making it 2–2. The second half saw Inter regain the lead in the 64th minute through Dumfries’ header from a corner. Barcelona leveled the score again in the 72nd minute, thanks to an own goal by Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who inadvertently deflected Raphinha’s shot into his own net.
The match ended in a 3–3 draw, leaving the tie finely poised for the return leg in Milan.
⚔️ Second Leg: Inter Milan 4–3 Barcelona (San Siro, May 6, 2025)
The return leg at the San Siro was equally dramatic. Inter Milan took the lead in the 50th minute through Nicolò Barella’s strike. Barcelona responded in the 82nd minute with a header from Robert Lewandowski, and again in the 92nd minute with another header from Lewandowski, making it 2–1 in favor of Barcelona. However, Inter Milan regained the lead in the 89th minute through Robin Gosens’ goal. Barcelona’s Lewandowski completed his hat-trick in the 92nd minute, but it wasn’t enough as Inter Milan secured a 4–3 victory in extra time.
The aggregate score stood at 7–6 in favor of Inter Milan, sending them through to the final.
We must not overlook Yann Sommer, who delivered a phenomenal performance and proved once again that he is among the best goalkeepers in the world.