The UEFA Champions League final is just around the corner, but recovering from this epic semi-final will take much longer. This thrilling tie featured 13 goals across both legs and countless dramatic moments.
In the second leg, Inter Milan initially took control with Lautaro Martínez’s opener and Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s penalty, only for Barcelona to mount a stunning comeback. Eric García’s volley and Dani Olmo’s header brought the score level in the second half. Raphinha’s goal in the 87th minute looked set to send the Spanish side to the final, but Inter’s Francesco Acerbi struck in stoppage time to force extra time.
Davide Frattesi’s composed finish in the first half of extra time sealed the win for the Nerazzurri. His celebration echoed Fabio Grosso’s iconic moment after his goal against Germany in the 2006 World Cup semi-final.
Fine margins indeed decide the outcome of high-stakes matches like this one. Moments of brilliance, crucial saves, and defensive interventions separated victory from defeat. But it ultimately took the tactical ingenuity of 49-year-old Simone Inzaghi to overcome Barcelona, the tournament favorites.
Let’s break down Inzaghi’s tactical brilliance:
Tactical Flexibility
Inzaghi’s Inter is a team that adapts and tweaks its system as the match unfolds. They often start in a 3-5-2 formation but seamlessly transition into a 3-4-1-2 or a 5-3-2. This tactical fluidity made it extremely difficult for Barça to break through. Credit also goes to Hansi Flick, who leaned on traditional English football strategies—wing play, crosses into the box, and quick reactions to second balls. Four of Barcelona’s six goals across the two legs came from high or low crosses.
However, Italy is the true home of tactical nuance. After Dani Olmo’s goal, created from a high cross, Inter adapted and nullified further aerial threats. This marked a key tactical switch inspired by great Italian coaching traditions. Inzaghi’s philosophy is heavily influenced by legends like Giovanni Trapattoni and Arrigo Sacchi.
Defensive Compactness
This hallmark of Italian football traces back to Nereo Rocco’s ‘catenaccio’ system. Inter’s backline, anchored by Acerbi, Bisseck, and the ever-dependable Alessandro Bastoni, was resolute. Bastoni, notably, leads all center-backs in Europe’s top five leagues in key passes (15) and passes into the penalty area (88).
Wing-backs Dumfries and Dimarco/Augusto provided width and defensive cover, and contributed offensively—Acerbi and Dumfries combined for three goals and four assists. Inter also excelled at cutting off passing lanes and winning tackles. Yan Sommer’s contribution was immense: nine big chances faced, six saved.
Dynamic Attacking Play
Inter’s attack was defined by swift transitions, particularly through balls from Bastoni and Acerbi, and tight triangulations among Çalhanoğlu, Mkhitaryan, and Barella. The team exploited the flanks, targeting the weaker lateral defenders, García and Martínez. Each goal by Inter highlighted how intricate passing combinations can dismantle a high defensive line.
Defenders in Attack
Inter’s center-backs were active contributors to the attack, both in build-up play and in the final third. Acerbi’s 94th-minute equalizer to force extra time was a perfect example. Their ability to push forward added another layer of unpredictability.
Wing-Back Contribution
Inzaghi’s system heavily relies on attacking wing-backs. Dumfries’ performances across both legs showcased the importance of this role. These players provided width, overlapped to stretch the defense, and even contributed to goals.
Tactical Rotation
Inter’s bench depth was another strength. Substitutes like Zieliński, Frattesi, Darmian, and Taremi slotted in seamlessly, maintaining the team’s tempo and intensity—something Barcelona struggled to match.
Technical and Robust Midfielders
Inter’s midfield boasts technical and physical prowess. Çalhanoğlu served as a deep-lying playmaker, dictating tempo, while Mezzalas Mkhitaryan and Barella brought energy, creativity, and a goal threat. Substitutes Zieliński and Frattesi upheld the standard, ensuring no drop in performance.
This semi-final tied the record for the highest-scoring Champions League semi-final, matching the 13 goals scored in Liverpool’s 7–6 aggregate win over Roma in 2017/18. Inter have now reached their second Champions League final in three seasons, after falling short to Manchester City in 2022/23.
Simone Inzaghi was also on the touchline for that defeat. He’s now reached 11 finals in all competitions, winning seven so far. Could Munich 2025 mark his eighth trophy in a final?
The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League final will be held in Munich, Germany, returning to the city for the first time since 2012.
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Story by: Rashad Usman Sinah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by: Gabriel Tecco Mensah
