Inter Milans Turkish midfielder #20 Hakan Calhanoglu (C)celebrates scoring his teams second goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg football match between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy on May 6, 2025. (AFP Photo)
May 07, 2025 01:11 AM GMT+03:00
Inter, featuring Turkish star Hakan Calhanoglu, have booked their place in the UEFA Champions League final after a dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory over Barcelona on Tuesday night.
Following a 3-3 draw in the first leg in Spain, the return leg at San Siro also ended 3-3 in regulation, before Davide Frattesi’s extra-time strike sent Inter through with a 7-6 aggregate win.
Hakan Calhanoglu, who scored Inter’s second goal and played 78 minutes, is set to feature in a Champions League final for the second time in his career — becoming the first Turkish player to reach the final twice.
Inter Milan’s Turkish midfielder #20 Hakan Calhanoglu celebrates scoring his team’s second goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg football match between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy on May 6, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Inter started aggressively and went ahead in the 21st minute through Lautaro Martinez. Calhanoglu doubled the lead just before halftime with a powerful strike in the 45th minute, giving the Nerazzurri a 2-0 lead at the break.
Barcelona responded quickly in the second half, with Eric Garcia pulling one back in the 54th minute. Dani Olmo equalized just six minutes later, making it 2-2 on the night and 5-5 on aggregate. The visitors then edged ahead in the tie with a goal from Joao Felix in the 77th minute, but Inter’s Francesco Acerbi struck in stoppage time (90+3) to send the match into extra time.
Inter Milan’s players celebrate their win at the end of the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg football match between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy on May 6, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Inter regained the lead in the 99th minute when Frattesi converted from close range. The Italian side managed to hold on during the second half of extra time, sealing a memorable 4-3 win.
Inter will face the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal in the final.
May 07, 2025 01:18 AM GMT+03:00
