A thrilling 210 minutes of football, 13 goals, dramatic shifts, unforgettable moments, and tension until the last whistle… This was epitomized in the stunning Champions League semi-final showdown between Inter and Barcelona.

The Nerazzurri stood tall, buoyed by the valiant efforts of Franćeska Aćerbija and the skillful Davide Fratezi, ensuring this match would be etched in memory with its iconic black and blue hues.

Post-match at the “Meaca,” fans speculated whether this was possibly the greatest semi-final doubleheader in history, and it’s hard to argue against that – even though the Champions League has seen countless unforgettable narratives in this round.

The BBC has shared some of these memorable moments.

Rodrigo’s Heroics in the 90th and 91st Minutes

One of the most memorable moments rivaled the unforgettable clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City in the semi-finals of 2022.

The “Citizens” arrived at the Spanish capital holding a remarkable 4:3 lead, and when Riyad Mahrez netted a goal in the 73rd minute for a 5:3 aggregate, it seemed like the title was destined for Manchester.

Yet, football has a way of scripting splendid tales, particularly for Real Madrid fans – the maestro Rodrigo struck twice in the 90th and 91st minutes, sending the match into extra time, where he helped eliminate his English rivals alongside Karim Benzema.

Real Madrid advanced to the final and reclaimed their title as European champions.

The Most Famous Corner in Champions League History

Entering the second leg down 3:0 from the first match, facing a side with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho, Sergio Busquets, and other Barcelona legends, your chances might look slim.

However, when it comes to Liverpool and their fortress “Anfield,” everything changes.

Aware that one goal from Barcelona would seal their fate in the 2019 semi-final, Jurgen Klopp’s side, even without Mohamed Salah, believed in a miracle.

Divock Origi ignited the Catalans’ hopes early, but Georginio Wijnaldum electrified Anfield with two goals at the start of the second half, and Origi ultimately sealed the deal with another after an iconic corner. That corner was legendary, as Trent Alexander-Arnold swiftly executed it, catching Gerard Pique and his teammates off guard.

Liverpool went on to become European champions after that phenomenal encounter.

Moura’s Hat-Trick Breaks Spurs’ Curse

The other semi-final that same year was equally thrilling, where Ajax faced Tottenham. Having secured a 1-0 victory in North London, by the 35th minute of the second leg, Spurs found themselves ahead 3-0 in aggregate thanks to goals from Matijs de Ligt and Hakim Ziyech.

However, it turned into the greatest night of Lukas Moura‘s life, and one of the saddest for Ajax fans – the Brazilian netted a hat-trick, completing it in the 96th minute to send Tottenham to the final.

The Red Devils Rise Again

In 1999, Manchester United and Alex Ferguson were relentless, often “rising from the dead.” Much has been chronicled about their final against Bayern and the drama in stoppage time, but their semi-final against Juventus was equally extraordinary.

After a 1-1 draw in the first match, thanks to a goal from Ryan Giggs in “Fergie Time,” they faced a daunting 2-0 deficit in Turin post a goal from Filippo Inzaghi.

Roy Keane, alongside the attacking duo Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole, turned the tide at “Delle Alpi,” earning them a spot at the “Nou Camp.”

Kaka in the “Theater of Dreams”

The other Milanese giants also had unforgettable semi-finals, notably in 2007 against Manchester United.

The first leg at Old Trafford ended in a 3:2 victory for the home side, yet the “Theater of Dreams” witnessed Kaka showcase his brilliance, scoring twice for the “rosoneri” – particularly in the second with assists from Gabriel Heinze and Patrice Evra.

The second leg unfolded without drama; Kaka continued to excel, and goals followed from Clarence Seedorf and Alberto Gilardino, resulting in a 3-0 win for Milan, who sought revenge on Liverpool after their heartbreaking final two years prior.

LEWANDOWSKI’S FOUR-GOAL THRILLER

Memorable Champions League semi-finals also include the 2013 clash, where Robert Lewandowski scored four times in the first match, sending Borussia Dortmund past Real.

Additionally, there was the iconic 2012 encounter between Chelsea and Barcelona, where the Blues, down to ten men, turned things around with a lob from Ramires, a burst of speed from Fernando Torres, and a penalty from Messi, leveling the match and earning a spot in the final.

Chelsea also faced Liverpool in a memorable 2008 semi-final where three goals were scored in extra time, leading Avram Grant’s side to progress.

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