In a thrilling encounter at San Siro, Inter Milan triumphed over Barcelona with a dramatic 4-3 victory, securing their place in the Champions League final set to take place in Munich. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Inter leading 2-0 at halftime before Barcelona mounted a fierce comeback in the second half.
Barcelona's Raphinha scored a crucial goal in the 87th minute, leveling the score at 3-3 after being down. However, the excitement didn’t end there, as Inter's Francesco Acerbi found the net in stoppage time, sending the game into extra time. Just when it seemed like the match could go either way, Inter's Davide Frattesi scored in the 99th minute, sealing the victory for the Nerazzurri.
After the match, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed his disappointment but emphasized his pride in his team’s performance. "I am disappointed, but not with my team. They tried everything. It is what it is. We are out, but next year we will try again to make the fans happy," said Flick in a post-match interview.
Flick did not shy away from addressing the officiating, expressing his belief that the referee's decisions played a significant role in the outcome of the match. "Every 50-50 decision went in favor of Inter, and that makes me sad," he lamented. Despite his frustration with the officiating, he acknowledged Inter's strengths, stating, "They defend well and have good attackers. They deserved to win, just like their fans."
The match began with Inter taking control early on, with goals from Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram putting them ahead 2-0 by halftime. Barcelona struggled to find their rhythm but rallied in the second half, showcasing their resilience. Raphinha’s late goal sparked hope for the Catalan side, but it was ultimately not enough to secure a win.
Flick highlighted the atmosphere in the stadium, noting how it mirrored the passion of their home games. "There was a fantastic atmosphere from the stadium, just like at our place. The team did everything to make the fans proud. We will move forward and learn from this experience," he remarked.
Looking ahead, Flick remains optimistic about the future, asserting that they will return stronger next season. "We have invested a lot in this match, and while we are disappointed, we are ready to improve and come back next year. This is not the end of our journey," he stated.
Meanwhile, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi praised his team's performance and resilience, stating, "We showed great character today. To lead 2-0 and then face a comeback from Barcelona is not easy, but we kept our heads and found a way to win." Inzaghi's side will now prepare for the final, where they will face a formidable opponent in their quest for European glory.
The match was not without controversy, and Flick's comments about the referee, Szymon Marciniak, have sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. He pointed out that while the referee made some good decisions, many pivotal calls seemed to favor Inter, which he felt was unjust. "I told the referee what I needed to say, but I don’t want to dwell on it. It wouldn’t be fair to my team, who played excellently," Flick added.
As the dust settles on this exhilarating semi-final, both teams have plenty to take away. Inter will look to build on this momentum as they head into the final, while Barcelona will regroup and focus on their upcoming challenges in La Liga. The spirited contest has undoubtedly set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Champions League, with fans eagerly anticipating the final showdown.
Barcelona's journey in this year's Champions League may have ended, but Flick's determination to return stronger next season resonates with fans. The team’s young core and their commitment to improvement will be crucial as they aim to reclaim their spot at the top of European football.
With the Champions League final approaching, all eyes will be on Inter as they seek to capitalize on their hard-fought victory over Barcelona. The stakes are high, and the anticipation is palpable as they prepare to face their next opponent in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
