Full Match Analysis, Stats, Press Conferences, and Final Predictions
The UEFA Champions League has long been a stage for footballing brilliance, emotional catharsis, and legendary drama. But few semi-final ties have electrified fans around the world quite like the 2025 two-legged battle between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona. A 7–6 aggregate victory for the Italian side over two heart-stopping matches delivered everything the beautiful game promises: goals, passion, tactical warfare, and unforgettable moments.
As Inter now prepares to face Paris Saint-Germain in the final, we look back on the full story of this epic semifinal — from detailed match analysis, statistics, and press conference insights to comparisons with historic semi-finals and final betting odds.
The First Leg: Fireworks at the Camp Nou
Barcelona 3 – 3 Inter (April 23, 2025 | Camp Nou)
The first leg at the Camp Nou was an explosive statement of intent by both clubs. It didn’t take long for the stadium to come alive as Raphinha opened the scoring in the 11th minute after a slick interchange with Dani Olmo. But Inter, true to their counter-attacking reputation, responded with frightening efficiency.
Lautaro Martínez equalized in the 23rd minute after a defense-splitting pass from Barella. Then, Çalhanoğlu unleashed a thunderous long-range effort to give Inter the lead by halftime.
Barcelona regrouped after the break. Eric García headed home the equalizer in the 58th minute, and Dani Olmo scored a brilliant solo goal to make it 3–2. However, Inter struck back again through Frattesi in the 89th minute.
The 3–3 draw left fans breathless and set up a blockbuster second leg.
The Second Leg: San Siro’s Eternal Night
Inter 4 – 3 Barcelona (May 6, 2025 | San Siro) — Inter win 7–6 on aggregate
The San Siro roared from the opening whistle. Lautaro Martínez struck early, and Çalhanoğlu added another to make it 2–0 by the 19th minute. But Barça responded with courage: García scored yet another header in the 33rd minute, and Olmo equalized the game in the 55th.
When Raphinha danced through Inter’s defense to score in the 68th, Barcelona were leading 6–5 on aggregate. But Inter refused to die. Acerbi leveled the match with a powerful header in the 83rd minute to make it 3–3 on the night.
Extra time. Tension. Drama.
Frattesi, Inter’s unsung hero, latched onto a rebound in the 99th minute and slotted home. 4–3. Barcelona hit the bar late, but could not break through. Inter survived. Inter advanced.
Match Statistics (Aggregate)
- Goals: Inter 7 – Barcelona 6
- Possession: Inter 38% – Barcelona 62%
- Shots (on target): Inter 19 (12) – Barcelona 24 (14)
- Corners: Inter 9 – Barcelona 11
- Fouls: Inter 22 – Barcelona 18
- Pass accuracy: Inter 85% – Barcelona 89%
Key Players
Inter Milan
- Lautaro Martínez: 2 goals, relentless energy.
- Çalhanoğlu: 1 goal, 2 assists, midfield dynamo.
- Frattesi: 2 clutch goals off the bench.
Barcelona
- Dani Olmo: 2 goals, 1 assist, orchestrator of the attack.
- Raphinha: Electric dribbling, vital goal.
- Eric García: 2 critical headers—heroic on both ends.
Pre and Post-Match Press Conferences
Simone Inzaghi (Pre-First Leg): “We’ll respect them, but we won’t fear them.”
Hansi Flick (Pre-First Leg): “It’s about who wants it more.”
Inzaghi (Post-Second Leg): “We deserve Munich.”
Flick (Post-Second Leg): “It came down to fine details. Inter had them.”
Fan and Media Reactions
- Spanish media called it “a painful beauty.”
- Italian pundits labeled Inter “gladiators in boots.”
- Social media exploded with praise for both teams.
Former Inter captain Javier Zanetti shed tears on live TV. The football world stood in awe.
Comparison with Legendary Semifinals
- Liverpool vs Chelsea (2005): Drama and the ‘ghost goal.’
- Barcelona vs Chelsea (2012): 10-man Chelsea’s Camp Nou miracle.
- Liverpool vs Barcelona (2019): The 4–0 comeback.
- Inter vs Barcelona (2025): 13 goals, extra time, two warriors.
Road to the Final
Inter Milan
- Group Stage: 4th place
- Round of 16: vs Feyenoord (4–1 agg.)
- Quarterfinal: vs Bayern (4–3 agg.)
- Semifinal: vs Barcelona (7–6 agg.)
Paris Saint-Germain
- League Phase: 15th
- Playoff: vs Brest (10–0 agg.)
- Round of 16: vs Liverpool (1–1, advanced on away goals)
- Quarterfinal: vs Aston Villa (5–4 agg.)
- Semifinal: vs Arsenal (3–1 agg.)
2025 Final Preview: Inter vs PSG
Date: May 31, 2025
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich
Key Battles:
- Martínez vs Marquinhos
- Mbappé vs Pavard
- Çalhanoğlu vs Ugarte
Tactics:
- Inter: 3-5-2, focus on transitions and set pieces.
- PSG: 4-3-3, exploiting width and pace through Mbappé and Dembélé.
Final Betting Odds (as of May 10)
- Inter to win: 2.20
- PSG to win: 2.50
- Draw (90 minutes): 3.30
- First Goal Scorer Odds:
- Mbappé: 4.00
- Martínez: 5.00
- Dembélé: 6.00
- Çalhanoğlu: 7.50
Conclusion
The Inter vs Barcelona semifinal of 2025 will live on in Champions League folklore. It was everything we dream of in knockout football: skill, emotion, fight, and narrative. For Inter, it’s a chance to write history. For Barcelona, a tragic end to a heroic run.
As the final approaches, one thing is certain—whoever lifts the trophy in Munich will have survived one of the most brutal, beautiful UCL campaigns in memory.