In a thrilling encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats, Inter Milan triumphed over Barcelona with a nail-biting 4-3 victory in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final, securing their spot in the final. The match was a showcase of attacking football, featuring a flurry of goals that kept spectators buzzing throughout the evening.
Lilian Thuram, father of Inter's rising star Marcus Thuram, shared his thoughts on the match in an interview with Sky Sport, describing it as "incredible" and emphasizing that true football lovers crave such spectacular games filled with excitement and goals.
"I am here doing this interview because the coach, Capello, made me do it," Thuram joked, reflecting on the pressure and joy of witnessing his son's success on such a grand stage. He continued to express pride in his children, stating, "My sons are learning and need to keep improving. It's important to learn continuously in this game. Whenever someone from the profession shares something about my son, I pass on those observations because it’s crucial for his growth."
Thuram highlighted the significance of humility in the lives of young athletes. "The most important thing is humility, which brings discipline. I always tell my children to be humble, focused, and to entertain the fans. Often, players forget that they play to bring joy to the supporters," he remarked, underlining the values he instills in Marcus and his sibling.
Marcus, who has loved football since childhood, showcased his talent during the match, contributing to the team's victory with an assist that has sparked some light-hearted debate. "He has this extraordinary ability to play even when he seems exhausted. Since he was little, if there’s one thing he loves, it's playing football. In these games, you find extra energy even when you’re completely tired," Lilian said, adding humorously about Marcus' assist for the fourth goal, "Maybe he didn’t do it on purpose and just closed his eyes!"
The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Inter taking the lead through Lautaro Martinez in the 21st minute, followed by a penalty from Hakan Calhanoglu just before halftime. However, Barcelona fought back with goals from Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo, making it 2-2 early in the second half. Raphinha then put Barcelona ahead, but Inter responded with goals from Francesco Acerbi and a late strike from Davide Frattesi, sealing the match at 4-3.
Inter's lineup featured a 3-5-2 formation, with Sommer in goal and a defensive trio of Bisseck, Acerbi, and Bastoni. The midfield was anchored by Barella and Calhanoglu, while the attacking threat was led by Martinez and Thuram. Barcelona, under the guidance of coach Flick, deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, showcasing their own array of talent with players like Lewandowski and Pedri.
The victory not only secures Inter's place in the final but also highlights the development of players like Marcus Thuram, who are beginning to make their mark on the European stage. As the tournament progresses, fans will be eager to see how this young talent continues to evolve and contribute to his team's success.
With the Champions League final on the horizon, all eyes will be on Inter as they prepare to face their next opponent. The excitement surrounding the team is palpable, and the journey of Marcus Thuram, guided by the wisdom of his father, promises to be a captivating story to follow.
