In one of the most gripping Champions League semi-final encounters in recent memory, Inter Milan overturned late heartbreak with a spectacular extra-time comeback to defeat Barcelona 4-3 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate, booking their place in the final for the second time in three seasons.
Played in front of a roaring San Siro crowd, the match lived up to and exceeded the wild drama of the first leg – a 3-3 thriller in Spain. With both teams throwing caution to the wind, this tie will go down as one of the highest-scoring semi-finals in Champions League history.
A Match of Momentum Shifts and Heart-Stopping Drama
Inter Milan looked to be cruising in the first half after goals from Lautaro Martínez and a Hakan Çalhanoğlu penalty gave the hosts a commanding lead. Their intensity and pressing caused Barcelona significant problems, and their early aggression looked to be paying off.
But Barcelona, much like in the first leg, refused to go quietly. They clawed back through Eric García’s thunderous volley and Dani Olmo’s pinpoint header, drawing level and seizing control of the game. Then, with just three minutes of normal time remaining, Raphinha pounced on a rebound to fire the visitors ahead in the tie for the first time. It felt like Barcelona had done enough.
But Inter, driven on by a home crowd that never stopped believing, had one final twist to offer. With seconds left in stoppage time, centre-back Francesco Acerbi, deployed in an emergency attacking role, stabbed in a late equaliser. Then, in extra time, Davide Frattesi finished off a brilliant move to send Inter into ecstasy and the Champions League final.
Goalkeeper Yann Sommer was also instrumental in sealing the result, making two critical late saves to deny Lamine Yamal, who impressed throughout but couldn’t find the breakthrough when it mattered most.
America Bet’s Betting Tips – What Landed and What Came Close?
In our original Inter Milan vs Barcelona preview, we provided 10 betting tips based on form, player data, and tactical trends. Here’s how those recommendations fared:
Betting Tip Results
✅ Both Teams to Score – A clear winner in this goalfest.
✅ Over 2.5 Total Goals – Absolutely nailed it, with 7 goals scored.
✅ Lautaro Martínez to Have 2+ Shots on Target – Delivered with a goal and multiple efforts on target.
❌ Barcelona to Win – Inter spoiled this prediction with their late heroics.
❌ Barcelona to Score in Both Halves – Scored in the second but blanked in the first half.
✅ Inter Milan Over 4.5 Corners – Easily achieved as Inter pushed forward relentlessly.
❌ Pedri to Provide an Assist – He played a key role in buildup play but didn’t register a direct assist.
✅ Total Cards Over 3.5 – The referee wasn’t shy with the cards in a fiery contest.
❌ Correct Score: Barcelona 2-1 – Close in normal time, but Inter had the last say.
❌ Robert Lewandowski to Score Anytime – He was involved but didn’t find the net.
Despite the wrong call on the winner, several other bets landed cleanly or came very close. Bettors following America Bet’s insights could have still seen a return, especially on goals and set-piece markets.
What’s Next for Inter?
With the win, Inter Milan will now face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in the final, set to be played in Munich. They’ve shown grit, adaptability, and resilience in these two legs — traits that will serve them well in the final. This squad, under Simone Inzaghi, has proven it can adapt and overcome, even when the odds seem stacked against them.
For Barcelona, it’s a case of “what could have been.” Hansi Flick’s men showed courage and attacking flair across both legs, but ultimately defensive lapses and missed chances cost them dearly. Still, their young core — including the electric Lamine Yamal — shows the future is bright.
This semi-final tie had everything — goals, controversy, comebacks, and unforgettable drama. Inter Milan’s place in the 2025 Champions League final is richly deserved, but Barcelona’s part in this footballing spectacle won’t be forgotten either.
For fans and punters alike, America Bet’s previews provided a solid guide to the chaos, highlighting key markets and scoring trends. As we look ahead to the final, you can be sure we’ll be there again with expert insights, analysis, and the best betting value.
