In a thrilling encounter at the San Siro, Inter Milan defeated Barcelona 4-3 in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final, securing their place in the final for the second time in three years. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing incredible talent and resilience.
Inter Milan, who had drawn the first leg 3-3, started strong with Lautaro Martinez scoring the opening goal in the 21st minute. Federico Dimarco's tenacity on the ball allowed him to set up Martinez, who made no mistake in front of goal, marking his eighth goal in his last seven Champions League appearances.
As the first half neared its conclusion, Inter extended their lead when Hakan Calhanoglu converted a penalty in the 45+1 minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. However, Barcelona was not to be underestimated. They came out firing in the second half, with Eric Garcia reducing the deficit in the 54th minute after a scramble in the box.
Just six minutes later, Dani Olmo leveled the score with a well-placed header, sending a clear message that Barcelona was back in the game. The Catalans continued to press, and in the 87th minute, Raphinha put them ahead with a low shot that found the back of the net, seemingly turning the tide in favor of Barcelona.
But Inter, driven by their home crowd, had other plans. In a dramatic turn of events, Francesco Acerbi equalized in the 90+3 minute, heading in a cross from Dumfries, which sparked wild celebrations among the Inter fans. With the score tied at 3-3, the match headed into extra time.
In the first period of extra time, Davide Frattesi, who had come on as a substitute, became the hero for Inter. In the 99th minute, he received a pass from Mehdi Taremi in the penalty area and skillfully slotted the ball into the far corner, putting Inter ahead 4-3. This was a remarkable moment for Frattesi, as it marked his first goal in the Champions League playoffs.
Despite Barcelona's attempts to find an equalizer, including a notable save from Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer against a powerful shot from Lamine Yamal in the 114th minute, Inter held on to their lead. Sommer's performance earned him the PlayStation® Player of the Match award, as he made several crucial saves throughout the game.
After the match, Inter’s coach Simone Inzaghi praised his team, stating, "I want to give credit to Barcelona. They are a very strong team. But Inter is simply superb. I am happy to be their coach, and it is right that they celebrate this success at this stadium." Inzaghi's leadership was evident as he guided his team through a challenging match.
Goalkeeper Yann Sommer expressed his pride, saying, "This was a crazy match. I am very proud of our team. We were almost out of the tournament, but then we came back. Reaching the final means a lot; it doesn't happen often." His words reflected the immense pressure and stakes involved in such a high-profile match.
Defender Federico Dimarco emphasized the team spirit, saying, "We played as one team throughout the match. In many moments, including the toughest ones, we endured and stuck together. There is no other stadium like San Siro in the world. Inzaghi is our leader. He knows how to lighten the situation with a couple of jokes, and that is his strength."
On the other side, Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick acknowledged the disappointment but remained proud of his team's efforts. He stated, "I understand that everyone is disappointed. We put a lot on this match. But I am proud of the team. Next season, we will return and try to win the Champions League." Flick's commitment to rebuilding and improving the team was evident in his remarks.
This semi-final match not only showcased the talent of both squads but also set a record for goal-scoring in Champions League semi-finals, matching the previous record of 7-6 between Liverpool and Roma in the 2017/18 season.
With this victory, Inter Milan advances to the Champions League final, where they will face the winner of the match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal on May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich. As fans eagerly await this showdown, one thing is clear: Inter's journey in this year's tournament has been nothing short of remarkable.
As both teams exit the pitch, the echoes of a fantastic show linger in the air, leaving fans and analysts alike eager for the next chapter in this thrilling Champions League saga.
