The showdown between Inter and Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals has captured world football’s attention. This nail-biting fixture featured high-scoring drama, tactical battles, and moments that will stay in the memory of fans for years. Let’s break down the second leg action, provide tactical insights, and link you to the best in-depth coverage.

A Night to Remember: Goals, Drama, and Extra Time

The inter - barcelona rivalry reached a fever pitch at San Siro. After a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg, the second leg proved equally dramatic, ending 3-3 and sending the tie into extra time[^1]. An electrifying environment saw standout performances from both sides, with goals from Lautaro Martínez, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and Francesco Acerbi for Inter, while Eric García, Dani Olmo, and Raphinha struck for Barcelona. Raphinha's late equalizer, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s 21-goal involvement record, showcased the fine margins at this elite level.

Tactical Analysis: How the Match Was Won and Lost

Both managers, Simone Inzaghi and Hansi Flick, made bold tactical choices. Barcelona dominated possession with nearly 70%, but Inter’s swift counter-attacks and disciplined defending kept them in the game. The home side exploited set-pieces and capitalized on Barcelona’s aggressive high line. In contrast, Barcelona's creativity through Lamine Yamal and Raphinha often put Inter on the back foot. Read a detailed breakdown, including lineups and predictions, in the Sports Illustrated match preview.

Key moments included:

• Acerbi’s last-gasp goal to force extra time, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
• Flick’s strategic substitutions, bringing on Lewandowski late in the match.
• The tactical adjustments from Inzaghi, particularly refreshing the midfield to maintain intensity.

Match Stats and Player Ratings

The shot count reflected Barcelona’s attacking intent, but both teams found the net three times. Inter finished with 11 shots (5 on target) compared to Barcelona’s 16 (8 on target). Each side won four corners. Notably, the Nerazzurri’s dogged defending in the box limited Barcelona’s scoring chances, despite yielding plenty of possession.

Lineups featured stars such as Sommer, Bastoni, and Thuram for Inter, matched by Barcelona’s Szczesny, Araujo, and the creative trio of Pedri, Yamal, and Raphinha. For more real-time details, consult The Athletic's comprehensive live blog, which chronicled every twist, chance, and substitution.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Inter and Barcelona?

With the aggregate score locked at 6-6 after two intense matches, both teams left everything on the pitch. The winner of this epic tie advances to the Champions League final, where they will meet either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal. As the dust settles, attention turns to future fixtures and the possibility of further glory.

Barcelona continues its pursuit of a historic treble, while Inter aims to build on home dominance and carry momentum into the final. For live reaction, highlight reels, and information on how to watch the games, explore Yahoo Sports' coverage.

Conclusion

The inter - barcelona semi-final was a masterclass in Champions League football. It combined tactical intrigue, individual brilliance, and non-stop excitement. Whether you are a fan of the Nerazzurri, the Blaugrana, or simply a lover of the game, this classic encounter reminds us why European nights are so special. Stay tuned for the final and continue following the journey of these legendary teams.

[^1]: See all critical moments and in-depth stats in the live updates on The Athletic.