In a heart-stopping UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg, Inter Milan overcame Barcelona 4-3 after extra time at the iconic San Siro, securing their place in the final with a 7-6 aggregate victory. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Lautaro Martinez emerging as a key figure despite battling through injury concerns that left him fearing for his participation.
Martinez, who had limped off during the first leg with a muscular problem, admitted he was devastated at the thought of missing the crucial match. "I spent two days crying at home when I thought I wouldn’t make it," he revealed in an emotional post-match interview. However, thanks to the relentless efforts of Inter’s medical staff, he managed to recover just in time to take to the pitch.
Opening the scoring in the match, Martinez found the net early, firing home a precise shot from a Denzel Dumfries cross, which exploited Barcelona’s high defensive line. His goal set the tone for a thrilling encounter, as Inter raced to a 2-0 lead by halftime. However, the match turned dramatically in the second half when Barcelona fought back.
Despite Inter’s strong start, the Catalan giants clawed their way back into the game, equalizing late to force extra time. The tension in the stadium was palpable as the clock ticked down. Just when it seemed like the match would end in a draw, Davide Frattesi emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in extra time, sealing Inter's fate for the final.
Martinez, who also earned a penalty for Inter after being fouled by Pau Cubarsi, expressed his gratitude towards the team and the fans. "This team never gives up, and the stadium is incredible with these fans," he said, visibly emotional. His performance was not just about his individual contributions but also about the collective spirit of the team that has been building over the past few years. "Inter has been raising the level for four or five years, every single year, and we are proud," he added.
Looking ahead, Inter will face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League Final set to take place in Munich on May 31, 2025. This marks their second final appearance in three years, having previously lost to Manchester City in Istanbul in 2023. Martinez reflected on that loss, stating, "We’ve been thinking about this since the day after we lost the last Final. Now we’ve got to recover our energy, finish the season well and know we have another opportunity to write history."
With the final fast approaching, the excitement around Inter Milan is palpable. Fans are hopeful that this could be the year they finally lift the coveted trophy after coming so close in the previous season. Martinez’s determination and leadership on the pitch will undoubtedly be crucial as they prepare to take on their next challenge.
As the dust settles on this thrilling semi-final, Inter Milan can take pride in their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The players and coaching staff will now shift their focus to the final, where they aim to etch their names in the annals of European football history.
