7 Reasons Inter Milan Stunned Barcelona to Reach Their Second Champions League Final in 3 Years

Inter Milan’s jaw-dropping 4-3 extra-time win over Barcelona at San Siro delivered a Champions League classic—and confirmed their place in a second final in just three seasons. 

From comeback kings to emotional chaos, here are seven reasons why the Nerazzurri stunned Barcelona and booked their ticket to Munich.

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For years, Inter Milan tried to shed the "pazza" (crazy) tag in pursuit of control and consistency. But against Barcelona, they leaned into the chaos—and it saved them. 

From losing a 2-0 lead to roaring back in extra time, this was classic Inter madness. Vice-president Javier Zanetti once sang “Amala Pazza Inter Amala”—love her, crazy Inter, love her. On this night, the fans were mad for it.

Simone Inzaghi has been criticised for poor substitutions in big games, but this time he got it spot on. Off the bench came Mehdi Taremi—who had underwhelmed all season—and Davide Frattesi, who hadn’t even trained the day before. 

Together, they combined for the winner in minute 99. “There will never be another match like that,” Frattesi said, overwhelmed. “This is something I will tell my kids in the future.”

Denzel Dumfries was everywhere across both legs—creating, running, defending. After assisting Lautaro at San Siro, he popped up in the 93rd minute of the second leg with a hopeful ball into the box.

 It wasn’t meant for Acerbi—but the veteran centre-back latched onto it and forced extra time. Inter were back from the dead. Again.

Lautaro Martínez wasn’t supposed to play. After picking up an injury in the 3-3 first leg thriller, he spent two days crying in frustration. But he forced himself back. 

“I tried to be back even if I wasn’t 100%. I live for the game, that’s how I am,” he told Sky Italia. He scored the opener and roared with the fans from the sidelines after going off. His spirit fuelled the team.

Barcelona scored six goals across both legs, but if not for Yann Sommer, it could’ve been worse. The Swiss goalkeeper—who replaced André Onana last summer—made crucial stops and calmly passed through Barcelona’s press. “He’s been so dependable,” said Inzaghi. On a night when others wilted, Sommer was a rock.

When Raphinha put Barça 3-2 up in the 87th minute, Inter fans stared into nothingness. The déjà vu was too real. Just like the Super Cup in Riyadh. 

Just like the Giroud derby in 2022. But Inter didn’t collapse. Instead, they dug deep—mentally and physically—and found another gear. “We needed a super super Inter tonight,” said Inzaghi. They delivered.

From the Curva Nord to the second tier where a fan nearly tipped over in joy, San Siro was on another level. 

The anthem, “Sai che sola non ti lascio mai” (“You know I’ll never leave you alone”), boomed as hearts pounded and legs trembled. As fireworks later lit up Piazza del Duomo, one fan gasped, “Has anyone got any oxygen?” This wasn’t just a game. It was survival by soul.