In a stunning UEFA Champions League semifinal second-leg game, Inter Milan beat Barcelona 4-3 in overtime and 7-6 on aggregate to secure the final of the European top-class competition. It was an up-and-down thrill ride of emotion with nip-and-tuck goal scores, positional struggles, and one of the most dramatic finales in the history of the Champions League.

Inter led 2-0 halftime advantage, only for Barcelona to stage an incredible second-half comeback. Raphinha's late strike appeared to be the winner for Barça—until Francesco Acerbi shocked the crowd with a stoppage-time equalizer.

The winning blow came in extra time when Davide Frattesi scored the winner. Despite Barça's last-ditch effort, Yann Sommer's clutch saves held Inter's advantage, ending the Catalan club's treble aspirations.

Barcelona's Grit Glows Despite Devastating Exit

Inter Milan Outlasts Barcelona in Instant Classic Thanks to 7–6 Inter Milan Outlasts Barcelona in Instant Classic Thanks to 7–6
Dan Mullan/Getty Images

This was not the typical collapse we've witnessed from Barcelona in the past. According to Sports Illustrated, Hansi Flick's team battled hard, overcoming several deficits and presenting a daring attitude that took them within seconds of qualifying for the final. They were four times behind in the tie. However, they never gave up.

With Lamine Yamal introducing himself as a future superstar and the midfield line not giving an inch, Barca almost created a historic turnaround. Only Sommer's fingernail-deflection save near the end of extra time kept them from getting into the final. Although the trophy drought still rages on, this show means that there's a mentality shift and paves the way for a rosy future.

Is This the Greatest Champions League Semifinal Ever?

With two legs, 13 goals, extra-time suspense, and world-class acts, this semifinal will be remembered forever. The seesaw momentum, coupled with tactical geniuses and individual heroics, made this an all-time classic.

The unveiling of the Champions League's new league system was controversial, but games like this confirm that the knockout stages remain the pinnacle of the tournament.

From Denzel Dumfries' five-goal contributions, through Acerbi's stoppage-time equalizer and Frattesi's match-winner, supporters were treated to football drama at its very best.

Inzaghi's Inter Milan is a Tactical Powerhouse on the Rise

Simone Inzaghi should be praised for shaping a team that could play lovely football while maintaining the determination of Italian defensive roots. His Inter Milan team adjusts to any scenario and creates ways to succeed. Rather than dropping deep as would be anticipated, Inzaghi moved his team up the pitch, suffocating Barcelona's midfield and breaking their rhythm from the beginning.

Inter's versatility, combined with big performances from Dumfries, Sommer, and Lautaro Martínez, proved decisive. Inzaghi's tactical adjustments, especially his use of substitutions, showed why Inter has now reached two finals in three years under his leadership.