In one of the most electrifying ties in recent Champions League history, FC Barcelona saw their European dreams dashed as Inter Milan clinched a dramatic 4-3 win after extra time in the second leg of the semi-final, sealing a 7-6 aggregate triumph.
The first leg at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuïc had already set the tone with a thrilling 3-3 draw. With the score level and everything to play for, both sides headed to the San Siro with a spot in the final on the line.
The return leg was nothing short of a footballing rollercoaster. Both teams displayed attacking flair, tactical sharpness, and raw emotion in front of a packed and roaring crowd. Goals came thick and fast, with momentum swinging back and forth. Barcelona fought valiantly, with Raphinha and Lewandowski trying to lead the charge, but Inter, spurred on by the brilliance of Lautaro Martínez and Nicolo Barella, had the final say.
In the end, it was Inter Milan who emerged victorious from the 13-goal epic, booking their place in the Champions League final in Munich, where they will face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain.
For Barcelona, it’s a bitter end to a campaign that promised so much. Despite flashes of brilliance and the emergence of talents like Lamine Yamal, questions will now be asked about the club’s future direction in Europe.
As for Inter, the Nerazzurri march on — battle-tested, fearless, and one step away from European glory.
