In a thrilling encounter at San Siro, Inter Milan edged past Barcelona in a Champions League semi-final for the ages, winning 4-3 in the second leg and 7-6 on aggregate. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess and determination to reach the final.
Barcelona, seeking a return to the Champions League final for the first time in a decade, found themselves in a precarious position early on. Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring for Inter in the 21st minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from the Catalans. The Argentine striker received a perfectly timed pass from Dumfries and slotted it past Szczesny, giving the home side a crucial lead.
As the first half drew to a close, Inter doubled their advantage when Hakan Çalhanoglu converted a penalty awarded after a VAR review, making it 2-0 just before the break. Barcelona appeared to be on the ropes, but they regrouped during halftime and came out with renewed vigor.
In the second half, Barcelona turned the tide, showcasing their trademark aggressive style. Eric Garcia pulled one back for the visitors in the 54th minute, heading home from a well-placed cross. Just six minutes later, Dani Olmo leveled the match at 2-2, sending the traveling fans into raptures.
With the score tied, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Barcelona continued to press, and their efforts paid off when Raphinha scored in the 89th minute, giving them a 3-2 lead and a 6-5 advantage on aggregate. The Blaugrana were just moments away from securing their place in the final when disaster struck.
In a dramatic twist, Inter’s Francesco Acerbi found the net in the 93rd minute, equalizing for the home side and forcing extra time. The San Siro erupted as the Inter fans celebrated their team's resilience.
Extra time saw both teams push for the decisive goal, but it was Inter who emerged victorious. Davide Frattesi scored the match-winner in the 99th minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The substitute's composed finish capped off a remarkable comeback for Inter, who will now face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Munich.
This victory marked a significant achievement for Inter Milan, as they reached their second Champions League final in three seasons, having lost to Manchester City in 2023. Meanwhile, for Barcelona, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, as it was their eighth elimination at the semi-final stage of the competition, a record they now share with Real Madrid.
Inter's goalkeeper Yann Sommer played a crucial role in the match, making several key saves that kept his team in contention. Denzel Dumfries reflected on the match, stating, "Crazy match, again. Seven goals today. It was incredible, we fought until the end, but very proud of the way we fought today. Overall, very happy that we're going to the final."
Barcelona's manager Hansi Flick expressed disappointment but also pride in his team's performance, acknowledging their fighting spirit despite the heartbreaking loss. The match was a testament to the quality and intensity of both teams, showcasing the best of European football.
As the dust settles on this epic clash, all eyes will now turn to the final in Munich, where Inter will aim to reclaim their place at the top of European football.
