epa12148192 Players of Inter look disappointed as they greet their supporters after losing the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Internazionale Milano in Munich, Germany 31 May 2025. EPA-EFE/FILIP SINGER
Inter’s exhilarating 7-6 aggregate victory over Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals appeared to stand as a testament to their grit and never-say-die attitude.
This remarkable feat not only secured their place in the Final but also positions the Nerazzurri as live contenders against fellow finalists Paris Saint-Germain on May 31 at Munich’s Allianz Arena.
A Semi-Final for the Ages
The semi-final clash between Inter and Barcelona was nothing short of legendary. After a 3-3 draw in the first leg at Camp Nou, the second leg at the San Siro unfolded with the highest of drama. Inter surged into the lead with goals from Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu, only for Barcelona to hit back with strikes from Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo, and Raphinha, giving them a 1-0 goal lead on the night and on aggregate. However, Francesco Acerbi’s stoppage-time equaliser levelled matters and then Davide Frattesi sealed victory in extra-time, sending Inter to Munich.
Sommer’s Heroics Building
Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer was instrumental in Inter’s success on the night. His crucial save in the 113th minute denied Lamine Yamal and preserved Inter’s lead. It’s led to comparisons being drawn to Julio Cesar’s iconic stop in the 2010 semi-final. Sommer’s composure and experience were a steadying presence for those in front of him throughout the match.
Momentum for the Final
Inter’s journey to the final has been marked by their ability to deal with adversity. They managed to overcome deficits and maintain composure under pressure, and this boded well as they prepared to face PSG. Inter went to their second Final in three years as the underdogs to win, according to football betting online.
The Final Showdown
The Final against PSG was expected to be more even than their previous 2023 showdown against Manchester City, which Inter lost just 1-0 with plenty of regrets. The game against PSG was supposed to be their revenge on European football, but the outcome was very different. Both outfits headed to Munich with European glory on their mind. Inter were out to win their fourth Champions League title, while PSG were looking to collect their first. The match was supposed to be competitive, and what Inter had achieved in the semi-finals could have been pivotal. On the other hand, the Nerazzurri went down two goals after just 20 minutes and finished the match with a 5-0 loss, the biggest margin in any European Final.
Conclusion
Inter rightfully earned the right to play in the Champions League Final, but incredibly finished the season empty-handed. The Nerazzurri had previously been eliminated from the Coppa Italia semis at the hands of city rivals Milan and saw Napoli win the Serie A title with 83 points, just one more than Simone Inzaghi’s men, who are now set to start a new era with another coach, Christian Chivu, in charge.
