Inter Milan are through to their second Champions League final in three years after a breathtaking 7-6 aggregate victory over Barcelona — a semi-final clash that delivered non-stop drama, extra-time heroics, and an emotional rollercoaster at the San Siro.

Following a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg, Barcelona looked set to reach their first final in a decade when Raphinha’s 87th-minute strike gave them the lead on the night. But in the dying moments of stoppage time, Inter’s veteran defender Francesco Acerbi fired in a sensational equaliser to force extra time.

With momentum swinging, substitute Davide Frattesi scored the decisive goal in the 99th minute, sending Inter into the final in Munich on May 31, where they’ll face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in pursuit of their fourth European crown.

A Tactical Gamble Pays Off

From the opening whistle, Inter showed they wouldn’t sit back. Matching Barcelona’s bold high line with an aggressive press of their own, they disrupted Hansi Flick’s system and seized early control.

Federico DiMarco’s high pressing set the tone, forcing a turnover that led to the opening goal. The wing-back intercepted Dani Olmo’s pass and helped initiate a swift move that ended with Denzel Dumfries squaring the ball for Lautaro Martinez to score.

VAR Drama and Barcelona’s Comeback

Just before halftime, a controversial VAR decision saw Pau Cubarsi penalised for tripping Martinez in the box, handing Inter a penalty and a 2-0 lead on the night.

But Barcelona roared back in the second half. Stand-in full-backs Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin unexpectedly turned the tide, each producing brilliant moments to assist goals that tied the tie at 5-5 on aggregate. Martin’s pinpoint deliveries set up Garcia and Dani Olmo, with the latter heading home at the far post.

Barcelona completed the turnaround when Raphinha pounced on a rebound to make it 3-2 — their first lead in the tie. However, the lead didn’t last.

Acerbi’s Moment of Magic

Just when it looked like Barcelona were heading to the final, 37-year-old Acerbi — pushed forward as a makeshift striker — produced a stunning outside-of-the-foot finish from Dumfries’ cutback in the 93rd minute to make it 3-3.

Moments later, Yamal came within inches of stealing it back for Barcelona, but his low strike clipped the post.

Extra Time Belongs to Inter

With fresh legs from Simone Inzaghi’s early substitutions, Inter found renewed energy in extra time. Mehdi Taremi teed up Frattesi, who coolly slotted home Inter’s fourth goal on the night.

Marcus Thuram played a vital role in the buildup, muscling past two defenders to create the opening — proving himself a worthy replacement for the injured Martinez.

Barcelona’s final hope again fell to 17-year-old Lamine Yamal. The teenager unleashed a curling effort destined for the corner, but Inter keeper Yann Sommer produced a fingertip save to deny him — his 14th stop across the two legs.

“It’s hard to read him,” Sommer said. “I’m just happy I was quick enough. It’s one of the biggest saves of my career.”

A Semi-Final for the Ages

With 13 goals across two legs — equaling the record for a Champions League semi-final — this tie had it all: drama, controversy, brilliance, heartbreak, and heroes on both sides.

Inter march on to Munich. Barcelona are left to wonder how it slipped away.