Inter Milan has advanced to the Champions League final for the first time in 13 years following a hard-fought victory over their fierce rivals, AC Milan, at San Siro.

Lautaro Martinez's goal sealed Inter's progress, having already held a 2-0 advantage from the first leg.

In a highly charged atmosphere at San Siro, Inter, backed by passionate supporters as the designated home team, weathered an early storm from Milan, who came out determined to overturn the deficit.

Theo Hernandez came close with a powerful strike, and Brahim Diaz was denied by a fine save from Andre Onana as Milan sought to recover from conceding two early goals in the previous match.

Rafael Leao, returning from injury for Milan, showed glimpses of brilliance but narrowly missed the target after a promising run from the left.

As the first half progressed, Inter began to assert their dominance, and the tie would have been effectively sealed before halftime if not for Mike Maignan's outstanding reflex save to deny Edin Dzeko's header from close range.

In the second half, Inter effectively stifled Milan's attacking threat, leaving them with limited opportunities. With 16 minutes remaining, Martinez found a way past Maignan, sliding the ball into the bottom corner to ignite jubilation among Inter fans.

As the full-time whistle blew, the roaring cheers at San Siro confirmed Inter Milan's return to the grand stage of the Champions League, where they will compete for the coveted trophy for the first time since their triumph in 2010.