In a thrilling encounter at the iconic San Siro, Inter Milan edged past Barcelona in a dramatic Champions League semifinal, winning 4-3 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate to secure their place in the final in Munich. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the resilience and tenacity of both teams, but ultimately it was Inter who emerged victorious, thanks in part to a heroic performance by their goalkeeper, Yann Sommer.
The game kicked off with high stakes as both teams sought to capitalize on their first leg, which had ended in a gripping 3-3 draw. Barcelona, desperate to return to the Champions League final for the first time in a decade, started brightly but quickly found themselves under pressure. Inter's aggressive approach paid off when a crucial mistake from Barcelona's Dani Olmo allowed Federico Dimarco to steal the ball in the 21st minute. Dimarco's quick thinking set up a smooth assist for Denzel Dumfries, who delivered the ball to Lautaro Martinez, putting Inter ahead 1-0.
Barcelona struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with their attempts at goal repeatedly thwarted by Inter's solid defense and Sommer's impressive saves. The Catalan side's defensive frailties were exposed further when a foul by Cubarsí on Lautaro led to a penalty, which Hakan Calhanoglu converted to double Inter's lead just before halftime.
Trailing 2-0 at the break, Barcelona emerged for the second half with renewed vigor. Under the guidance of coach Julian Nagelsmann, they quickly turned the tide. Gerard Martin's pinpoint assist found Eric Garcia, who scored in the 55th minute to bring the score to 2-1. The momentum shifted dramatically as Barcelona began to dominate possession and create chances. Just minutes later, Martin assisted Dani Olmo, who leveled the score at 2-2, igniting hopes of a comeback.
With the match finely balanced, Barcelona seemed poised to complete their turnaround. However, Inter's resilience shone through once again. In a dramatic twist, Rapinha scored for Barcelona in the 89th minute, seemingly sealing the win and a spot in the final. But just when it appeared Barcelona would advance, Acerbi scored a crucial equalizer for Inter deep into stoppage time, forcing the match into extra time.
As the first half of extra time unfolded, the tension was palpable. Both teams had opportunities, but it was Inter who capitalized on a moment of brilliance from Marcus Thuram. Thuram's skillful play set up Davide Frattesi, who scored in the 99th minute, sending the Inter fans into a frenzy and putting them ahead 4-3.
Despite relentless pressure from Barcelona in the final moments, including attempts from Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, Sommer stood tall, making vital saves that secured Inter's historic victory. The Swiss goalkeeper, who made six saves throughout the match, was undoubtedly the star of the night, earning praise for his composure and agility.
Sommer's performance was not just a display of skill; it was a testament to his experience and determination. At 36 years old, he has faced his share of challenges, including a stint at Bayern Munich where he was often overshadowed by Manuel Neuer. His move to Inter Milan came after the club sold Andre Onana to Manchester United for a staggering 50 million euros. With a price tag of just six million euros, Sommer has proven to be a bargain, delivering stellar performances when it matters most.
As the final whistle blew, the Barcelona players were left to reflect on what could have been. They had fought valiantly, showcasing their attacking prowess and determination, but ultimately, defensive lapses and missed opportunities cost them dearly. The defeat marked another year without a Champions League final for the storied club, a bitter pill to swallow for their passionate fans.
For Inter Milan, the victory is a monumental achievement, marking their return to the Champions League final for the first time since they last lifted the trophy in 2010. They will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in Munich, with hopes of claiming the coveted title once again.
In the end, this semifinal clash will be remembered as one of the great encounters in Champions League history, filled with drama, skill, and unforgettable moments. Both teams displayed the true spirit of football, and while Barcelona will rue their missed chances, Inter Milan will celebrate a hard-fought victory that has propelled them to the brink of glory.
