A spot in the finals of the UEFA Champions League is on the line as Barcelona takes on Inter Milan at the iconic Giuseppe Meazza. The second leg of the semi-final encounter between these two European giants kicked off with both teams locked at 3-3 after a thrilling first leg in Catalonia last week. Fans were buzzing with anticipation for what could be another classic showdown.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick announced his starting lineup, which featured some intriguing decisions. After much debate regarding the left-back position, Flick opted to stick with Gerard Martin, who had impressed during Barcelona's recent victory over Real Valladolid. Eric Garcia started at right-back in place of the injured Jules Kounde, while Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez occupied the center-back positions. Wojciech Szczesny returned to goal after Marc-Andre ter Stegen played in the last league match.
In midfield, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong formed a double pivot, while Dani Olmo was chosen over Gavi and Fermin Lopez to play in the No. 10 role. The attacking trio consisted of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the wings, with Ferran Torres leading the line as the center-forward. Notably, Robert Lewandowski was fit enough to be on the bench, raising questions about how much he would contribute later in the match.
On the opposing side, Inter Milan welcomed back their captain Lautaro Martinez, who had recovered from a hamstring injury in time for this crucial encounter. The Argentine striker had not played since the first leg but made an immediate impact, scoring the opening goal in the 21st minute and later winning a penalty for his side. Martinez's return was a significant boost for Inter, as he had been in fine form, netting seven goals in the Champions League since the turn of the year.
Inter's coach, Simone Inzaghi, lined up his team in a 3-5-2 formation, with Yann Sommer in goal and a back three consisting of Yann Bisseck, Francesco Acerbi, and Alessandro Bastoni. The midfield was packed with talent, featuring Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Federico Dimarco. Alongside Martinez, Marcus Thuram completed the striking partnership.
As the match progressed, it became clear that both teams were eager to secure a place in the finals, which would take place in Munich on May 31 against either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal. The first half was filled with end-to-end action. Just before halftime, Inter was awarded a penalty, which Calhanoglu converted, pushing the score to 2-1 in favor of the hosts.
However, Barcelona responded quickly after the break. Eric Garcia leveled the match in the 54th minute with a stunning volley that sent the visiting fans into a frenzy. Just six minutes later, Dani Olmo put Barcelona ahead with a well-placed header, making it 3-2. The momentum seemed to be swinging in favor of the Catalans, who were determined to overturn the aggregate score.
But Inter was not to be outdone. They fought back and equalized in the dying moments of the match when Francesco Acerbi, a veteran defender, scored a dramatic goal in the 90+3 minute, sending the match into extra time. The tension was palpable as both teams knew they were just moments away from a potential final showdown.
As extra time began, both teams were visibly fatigued but remained resolute. Barcelona's Lamine Yamal had a fantastic opportunity to win it in the 90+6 minute, but his shot was saved brilliantly by Sommer, keeping Inter's hopes alive. Meanwhile, Lewandowski finally made his appearance, replacing Ferran Torres in the 90th minute, adding another layer of excitement to the match.
The second half of extra time saw both teams pushing for a decisive goal, but neither could find the back of the net. The players were giving their all, and the crowd at the San Siro was electric, urging their teams on. Ultimately, the match ended in a 3-3 draw once again, leading to a penalty shootout to determine who would advance to the final.
As the final whistle blew, the tension was at its peak. The players gathered at the center of the pitch to prepare for the shootout, knowing that one mistake could cost them a chance at glory. Fans on both sides held their breath, anxiously waiting to see which team would emerge victorious.
In the end, this epic clash between Barcelona and Inter Milan showcased the best of European football, with both teams displaying skill, determination, and a fighting spirit. As they prepared for the penalty shootout, it was clear that the battle for a place in the Champions League final was far from over. With the stakes so high, both teams were ready to leave it all on the pitch.
With the match still ongoing and extra time unfolding, the excitement was palpable as fans eagerly anticipated the outcome of this thrilling UEFA Champions League semi-final.
