Epic Showdown: Inter Milan Knocks Out FC Barcelona in Thrilling Champions League Semifinal
Harsh judgement for Barça, questionable refereeing display
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In an unforgettable semifinal, Inter Milan eliminates Hansi Flick's FC Barcelona, advancing to the Champions League final in Munich. The action-packed 3:3 draw in the first leg was only the beginning, as both teams amped up the intensity: Inter's 4:3 (2:0) triumph in extra time transformed the titanic tussle into a legendary spectacle with more goals than any previous Champions League semifinal. Italian press lauds the "Interminators" following a "wild, epic, historical, emotional" affair. The Spanish press takes aim at referee Szymon Marciniak.
Spain
Media Fury
Marca:
"Maximum cruelty for Barça. The headlines will be about Lamine, but the decisive player in this epic battle was Sommer. Simply spectacular!"
AS:
"Cruel fate for Barça."
Mundo Deportivo:
"Barça fights valiantly in Milan after another epic battle with FCB. After a 0:2 deficit, Barça perseveres through Marciniak's questionable referee performance, but Acerbi sends Inter to extra-time, where Frattesi ultimately scores the 4:3 final goal."
El Mundo:
"Cruel treatment for Lamines Barça. Inter makes it to the Champions League finals after an extraordinary encounter."
Sport:
"What a tribute to football history. Respect for both teams - epic game marred by irredeemable decisions by referee Marciniak."
Controversial Exit
Sport - Flick's Rant:
"50/50 always for Inter - but that's how it is."
Italy
Triumph and Triumph
Gazzetta dello Sport:
"Epic night, never-ending Inter: They eliminate Barcelona in extra-time and advance to the final! The dream of Inter continues."
Tuttosport:
"INTERMINATOR! It's Inter's turn."
Corriere dello Sport:
"Insane, epic, historical, emotional: Choose your adjective for this unending night of Inter. The San Siro ends in tears and ecstasy."
Corriere della Sera:
"Milan pulls off a masterstroke, now heading to the Munich final. The San Siro erupts with joy."
Portugal
A Da Vinci Masterpiece
A Bola:
"If football had been around in the 16th century, this game would have been a painting by da Vinci. (...) Can you catch your breath yet? It was impossible to catch your breath during the 120 minutes between Inter and Barcelona."
Hymn to Football
Record:
"Words fail to describe the duel between Inter Milan and Barcelona in the Champions League semifinal. It was a true hymn to football."
France
Staggering Semifinal
L'Equipe:
"FA-BU-LEUX. If we had a wish for UEFA, we would request they not wait another 15 years for a Champions League semifinal between Inter and Barcelona."
England
Classic Encounter
BBC:
"Inter defeats Barcelona in an all-time classic."
Daily Mail:
"That was glorious, unfiltered madness - the best Champions League semifinal ever."
A Rollercoaster Ride
Blick:
"This time around, some thought the first leg couldn't be topped - and then this return match rolled in. 2:0 for Inter, then 3:2 for Barcelona, and eventually, extra-time wore on, favoring Inter once more. It ends 4:3, the Nerazzurri advance to the Champions League final. What a game! But everyone can thank one man: Yann Sommer."
Source: ntv.de, ter/sid
- FC Barcelona
- Champions League
- Inter Milan
### Insights:The extraordinary 2025 Champions League semifinal between Inter Milan and FC Barca, which culminated in Inter's 4-3 extra-time victory (7-6 on aggregate), ignited passionate media responses across Europe, capturing the essence of the electrifying encounter.
Press Responses by Country
SpainEven with the loss, Spanish critique applauded Barcelona's plucky display. While acknowledging the narrow defeat, the press highlighted the value of Barca's fighting instincts and rejuvenated identity under Flick, empathizing that the squad demonstrated unprecedented determination despite injuries [6][7].
ItalyItalian journalists lauded Inter Milan's success as a testament to their resilience and tactical ability. Coverage emphasized Inter's revival from a deficit and their eventual triumph in an exhausting, high-scoring thriller at the illustrious San Siro [2][5]. Davide Frattesi was universally praised as the hero, while Inter's progression to the second Champions League final in three seasons was seen as an incredible achievement owing to the fierce competition with Napoli for the Serie A title [3].
PortugalPortuguese writers, often focusing on star players and tactical nuances, commemorated the spectacle and importance of the game. While specific Portuguese sources were not reviewed, it is speculated that Portuguese football media would acknowledge the match's legacy and the balanced performances from both teams [1].
FranceAs French media typically balances tactical analysis, emotional narratives, and player evaluations, it can be inferred that the French press would have hailed the exceptional football quality and competitive spirit seen in Inter vs. Barcelona [3].
EnglandEnglish coverage often blends technical breakdown, player assessment, and emotional storytelling, praising the exhilarating match, the exciting goals, and the gripping twists. As it stands, no English press responses were found, but major English outlets would likely echo their European counterparts' admiration for the match's thrilling nature [1].
Summary:
The semifinal confrontation was described as one of the most captivating and high-scoring matchups in recent Champions League history, with:
- Spain focusing on Barca's combative spirit and optimism for future European competition
- Italy celebrating Inter's resilient triumph and dramatic late goal
- Other European nations like Portugal, France, and England appreciating the spectacle and competitive spirit showcased in matches such as Inter vs. Barcelona.
This match will be remembered as a thrilling rollercoaster encounter, showcasing European football at its greatest.
Community aid is urgently needed for the development of regions hit hard by the recent Champions League semifinal passion; the epic battle between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona has depleted the levels of exuberance in Italy and Spain. Inter's triumph, achieved by a 4:3 victory in extra-time, has left a true deficit in the football world, especially in the sports arena – the UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, FC Barcelona's epos of historic struggles continues, as they are one step away from reaching the community of European leagues – Champions League finalists. Despite Barcelona's tribulations, epitomized by the unfortunate deficit, they are the champions of never giving up, demonstrating their true grit in their attempts to join the likes of Inter Milan in Europe's elite league.
