A day after one of the most thrilling matches in recent memory, a buzz of astonishment still surrounds San Siro, felt not only by those who were there but also by millions watching worldwide. The second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals between Inter and Barcelona perfectly captured the essence of football, reminding us why we are so passionate about the sport. When Francesco Acerbi scored to level the score at 3-3, keeping Inter`s hopes alive just a minute before the final whistle, some Inter supporters had already left the stadium, believing the game was lost. It emphatically was not. Upon hearing that the 37-year-old Italian defender had scored his first ever European goal, they attempted to return to their seats but were denied entry.
San Siro was absolutely electric that Tuesday night, witnessing a moment that will undoubtedly shape the history of the game. Before kick-off, the palpable tension among the home fans was evident; they knew they were about to witness a match that could define their beloved team`s 2024-25 season. As it transpired, they watched a game that is rapidly being recognised as one of the best ever – the kind of night that those fortunate enough to be at San Siro will cherish forever. It was arguably the greatest match ever played at one of Italy`s most historic stadiums.
San Siro, the shared home stadium of both Inter and AC Milan, may be approaching the end of its tenure as a cornerstone of Italian football. Discussions are underway to build a new stadium, potentially shared by the Milan clubs, in the same area. Both fanbases are divided on the issue, as San Siro remains one of the world`s most historically significant venues for attending a football match. Built in 1929, it has hosted some of the sport`s greatest encounters over the past century, playing a crucial role in the development of football as both Milan teams were powerhouses. It saw exciting Champions League triumphs, including AC Milan`s wins in 2003 and 2007, and was the stage in the 1990s where legends like Marco Van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Roberto Baggio, Ronaldo, and many others became global icons during a time when Italy`s Serie A was the world`s leading league. It`s nearly impossible to list all the memorable matches played here, but there are compelling reasons why the recent tie between Inter and Barcelona can already be considered among the stadium`s best.
Typically, when we discuss the most exciting matches in the modern era, we often refer to spectacular and unexpected comebacks. Prime examples include Barcelona against PSG in 2017, the famous `Remontada`, or Liverpool`s incredible victory over Barcelona in 2019, or AS Roma`s comeback against Barcelona in the 2017-18 Champions League quarter-finals. More recently, Real Madrid became renowned for their resilience in 2022, achieving three consecutive comeback wins in the knockout stages against PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City on their way to winning the final against Liverpool in Paris.
However, Inter`s win against Barcelona was fundamentally different because it wasn`t a comeback in the traditional sense.
Across the two legs – the 3-3 draw in the first leg and the subsequent 4-3 home victory – the tie remained fiercely contested and open. Inter scored twice away before Barcelona mounted a comeback. A similar pattern unfolded in the second leg; after Inter`s initial two goals, Barcelona responded with three of their own before Francesco Acerbi`s dramatic late equalizer pushed the match into extra time. At no point did either team feel completely in control, except perhaps during the final minutes of regulation time, which only intensified the spectacle for viewers worldwide. Those who were physically present, breathing the unique atmosphere of San Siro on such a special night, will never forget the stadium`s vibrations.
In South America, there`s a saying about Boca Juniors` home ground, La Bombonera: “It doesn`t tremble, it beats,” referring to the sensation of the stadium moving during matches. San Siro was no different on Tuesday. Inter winger Federico Dimarco beautifully captured this feeling when speaking to Sky Italy right after the win, recalling the last time Inter defeated Barcelona in a Champions League semi-final under Jose Mourinho: “I hear that other stadiums are chaotic, but nothing compares to San Siro.”
Dominic Ashworth