In a thrilling encounter at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Inter Milan secured their place in the Champions League final after defeating Barcelona 4-3 in the second leg of the semi-final, bringing the aggregate score to 7-6. The match was nothing short of a rollercoaster, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience.
The first half saw Inter Milan take a commanding lead with goals from Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu, the latter converting a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a foul in the box. With the score at 2-0, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric, as fans of the home side began to dream of another final appearance.
However, Barcelona, known for their fighting spirit, turned the tide in the second half. Eric Garcia ignited hope for the visitors with a well-placed shot, followed by goals from Dani Olmo and Rafinha, who completed the comeback, putting Barcelona ahead 3-2 and seemingly on their way to the final.
But Inter was not to be outdone. In a dramatic twist, Francesco Acerbi scored a crucial equalizer in stoppage time, sending the match into extra time with the aggregate score tied at 6-6. The tension was palpable as both teams prepared for the additional 30 minutes.
In the first half of extra time, David Frattesi emerged as the hero for Inter, scoring the decisive goal that put the home side ahead 4-3. His calm finish after receiving the ball in the box showcased Inter's clinical nature under pressure. The Inter defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Yann Sommer, held firm against numerous Barcelona attacks, including several close calls from the young star Lamine Yamal.
Yamal, who had been a standout performer throughout the match, nearly equalized for Barcelona with a stunning long-range effort, but Sommer's incredible save kept Inter in the lead. Despite Barcelona's relentless pressure, including a late flurry of attacks, the Italian side's defense stood strong, ensuring that they would advance to the final.
Inter's coach, Simone Inzaghi, expressed his pride in the team's performance, stating, "We showed great character and determination. This victory means a lot to us, and we look forward to the final." Meanwhile, Barcelona's coach, Hansi Flick, acknowledged the disappointment but praised his players for their effort, saying, "We fought hard, but we fell short in the end. We will learn from this experience and come back stronger next season."
The victory marks Inter Milan's second final appearance in three years, as they look to reclaim their status as one of Europe's elite clubs. The final is set to take place on May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, where they will face the winner of the other semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, both teams will reflect on a match that will be remembered as one of the great semi-finals in Champions League history. With 12 goals scored across two legs, the rivalry between Inter and Barcelona has once again proven to be a captivating spectacle for football fans around the world.
