Inter Milan’s campaign began with a clinical 2 0 victory over Bayern Munich in Group B, reversing memories of a painful final defeat fourteen years prior. Successive wins against Real Sociedad and Red Star Belgrade cemented control of the section before a goalless draw in San Sebastian confirmed top seed status.

The round of sixteen offered a testing tie with Feyenoord and Simone Inzaghi’s men navigated rainfall and a frenetic De Kuip atmosphere to secure a 1 0 first leg advantage. Back in Milan goals from Marcus Thuram and Hakan Calhanoglu wrapped up a 3 1 aggregate win, showcasing both attacking layers of the 3 5 2 system.

Quarter finals delivered a heavyweight rematch with Bayern. A thunderbolt from Barella put Inter ahead in Munich, and although Leroy Sane equalised, Lautaro Martínez’s late winner silenced the Allianz Arena. The second leg at San Siro finished 1 1, Yann Sommer saving a Thomas Müller header in stoppage time to preserve victory.

Barcelona arrived in the semi finals brimming with possession statistics but found space limited by Inter’s aggressive mid block. Two draws necessitated penalties and Sommer turned hero with saves from Pedri and Lewandowski. San Siro erupted as Dimarco converted the decisive kick, sending the Nerazzurri back to a final stage many fans thought unreachable a decade ago.

Over their route Inter kept seven clean sheets, allowed only three goals from open play and scored in every outing. That balance between caution and ambition has restored echoes of the Grande Inter era and convinced supporters that a fourth European crown is within reach.