"Inter Milan Triumphs in Thrilling 13-Goal Clash: Edges Barcelona 7–6 on Aggregate to Secure UCL Final Spot!"
Inter Milan triumphed over Barcelona in a thrilling UEFA Champions League semifinal, edging the Spanish giants 7–6 on aggregate after a dramatic 4–3 victory in extra time at the San Siro on May 6, 2025. This match has now entered the record books as one of the highest-scoring knockout ties in Champions League history, featuring a staggering total of 13 goals.
Match Overview
The first leg of the semifinal, held at Camp Nou, ended in a 3–3 draw, setting the stage for an intense second leg. Inter Milan took an early lead in the return match, scoring twice in the first half to establish a 5–3 aggregate advantage. However, Barcelona responded fiercely after the break, netting two quick goals within seven minutes to level the aggregate score at 5–5. Just when it seemed Barcelona would secure their place in the final with an 87th-minute goal from Raphinha, Inter's Francesco Acerbi equalized in stoppage time, forcing the match into extra time.
In the additional 30 minutes, substitute Davide Frattesi scored the decisive goal for Inter, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and sealing their spot in the final, where they will face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain on May 31, 2025, in Munich.
First Half Highlights
The match began with a slower pace compared to the first leg, but Inter quickly took control. After a mistake from Barcelona's Dani Olmo, Denzel Dumfries assisted Lautaro Martínez for the opening goal in the 20th minute. Barcelona responded with pressure, creating several chances but failing to convert. A controversial penalty awarded to Inter just before halftime allowed Hakan Çalhanoglu to double their lead, leaving Barcelona trailing 5–3 on aggregate at the break.
Second Half Drama
Barcelona came out strong in the second half, with Eric Garcia scoring in the 53rd minute to reduce the deficit. Dani Olmo then equalized with a diving header in the 60th minute, making it 2–2 on the night and 5–5 on aggregate. As the clock ticked down, Barcelona seemed poised to advance until Acerbi's last-minute equalizer sent the match into extra time.
Extra Time and Conclusion
In extra time, Frattesi's stunning left-footed shot in the 99th minute sealed the victory for Inter, leading to wild celebrations among the home fans. Despite a late surge from Barcelona, including a near miss from Lamine Yamal, Inter held on to secure their place in the final.
Historical Context
This remarkable encounter now shares the record for the most goals in a Champions League knockout tie, joining two other legendary matches: Liverpool vs. Roma (2017/18) and Bayern Munich vs. Sporting CP (2008/09), both of which also featured 13 goals. The UEFA Champions League's official website has compiled a list of the highest-scoring knockout ties, which includes:
Most Goals in a Champions League Knockout Tie (13 goals)
Inter Milan 7–6 Barcelona (2024/25 Semi-finals)
Liverpool 7–6 Roma (2017/18 Semi-finals)
Bayern Munich 12–1 Sporting CP (2008/09 Round of 16)
Other High-Scoring Knockout Ties (12 Goals)
Lyon 10–2 Werder Bremen (2004/05)
Chelsea 7–5 Liverpool (2008/09)
Barcelona 10–2 Bayer Leverkusen (2011/12)
Monaco 6–6 Manchester City (2016/17)*
Arsenal 2–10 Bayern Munich (2016/17)
Man City 10–2 Schalke (2018/19)
Atalanta 8–4 Valencia (2019/20)
Arsenal 9–3 PSV (2024/25)
(Monaco advanced on away goals)
11 Goals — Legendary Ties
Real Madrid 6–5 Manchester United (2002/03 Quarter-finals)
Chelsea 6–5 Bayern Munich (2004/05 Quarter-finals)
Manchester United 8–3 Roma (2006/07 Quarter-finals)
Real Madrid 9–2 Schalke (2013/14 Round of 16)
Bayern Munich 7–4 Porto (2014/15 Quarter-finals)
Barcelona 6–5 Paris Saint-Germain (2016/17 Round of 16)
Real Madrid 6–5 Manchester City (2021/22 Semi-finals)
Inter Milan's victory not only secures their place in the final but also cements this match as a memorable chapter in Champions League history. The thrilling nature of the contest, characterized by dramatic comebacks and last-minute goals, showcases the unpredictable excitement that the tournament is known for. As fans eagerly await the final, the legacy of this high-scoring tie will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
#Inter Milan
#Barcelona
#UEFA Champions League
#Semifinal
#Aggregate
#Extra time
#13 goals
#Francesco Acerbi
#Davide Frattesi
#Record match
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