Reliving the drama, tactics, and key moments from the unforgettable semifinal showdown between Barcelona and Inter Milan.
Barcelona and Inter Milan are set to clash in the UEFA Champions League semifinal. Take a look back at their unforgettable 2009–10 UCL semifinal showdown that defined a foot balling era.
Barcelona vs Inter Milan: Revisiting Their Historic Champions League Semifinal Clash from 2010
As Barcelona and Inter Milan prepare for another UEFA Champions League semifinal showdown, we rewind to their iconic 2009–10 encounter that defined an era of football rivalry.
Barcelona and Inter Set for UCL Semifinal Showdown at Olympic Stadium
FC Barcelona will welcome Inter Milan in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal on Thursday, May 1, at the LluÃs Companys Olympic Stadium. The Catalans advanced despite a 3-1 second-leg loss to Borussia Dortmund, thanks to a commanding 4-0 victory in the first leg.
Inter Milan’s route was equally dramatic. A crucial late goal from Davide Fattest in the first leg gave the Italian side a lead that proved vital, with the second leg ending 2-2 and sending the Azzurri through 4-3 on aggregate.
With both teams back in the UCL semifinal, memories come flooding back to their unforgettable clash from 15 years ago, during the 2009–10 campaign.
2009–10 Semifinal: A Tactical Masterclass That Shocked Europe
The last time FC Barcelona and Inter Milan met in a Champions League semifinal was in the 2009–10 season. That battle remains one of the most iconic ties in modern football, largely due to José Mourinho’s masterclass in tactical defense and high-stakes drama across both legs.
First Leg: Inter Turn the Tide in Milan
The first leg took place at the San Siro, where Barcelona struck first through Pedro in the 19th minute. However, Inter Milan responded with intensity. Goals from Wesley Sneijder, Macon, and Diego Militia stunned the visitors and secured a 3-1 lead going into the second leg.
Second Leg: Mourinho’s “Greatest Defeat” and the Camp Nou Drama
The second leg at the Camp Nou was electric. Barcelona, led by Pep Guardiola, attacked relentlessly, especially after Thiago Motta was controversially sent off in the 28th minute for an altercation with Sergio Busquets, who theatrically fell to the ground.
Down to 10 men, Inter defended with unmatched resilience. Barcelona managed to break through late with a goal from Gerard Piqué in the 84th minute. In injury time, they found the net again, but it was disallowed due to a handball by Maya Tour during the build-up.
The final whistle confirmed inter's progression with a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Mourinho's Celebration and Legacy
The result sparked wild celebrations from Mourinho, who famously sprinted down the touchline at the Camp Nou, thumping his chest in front of the home fans. He later described the game as his "greatest defeat", saying:
“It is a style of blood, not skill. When the moment of leaving everything on the pitch arrives, you don’t leave the skill—you leave the blood.”
Inter went on to win the final, beating Bayern Munich and securing a historic continental treble.
What to Expect This Time?
With both teams in solid form and hungry for European glory, the upcoming semifinal promises fireworks. Can Barcelona avenge the heartbreak of 2010, or will inter repeat history?
One thing is certain—whenever these two European powerhouses collide, football fans are in for a treat.