In a thrilling conclusion to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, Inter Milan triumphed over FC Barcelona with a dramatic 4-3 victory at the San Siro, securing their place in the final with a 7-6 aggregate score. The match was filled with tension, controversy, and standout performances, showcasing the resilience of both teams.
The first half of the match saw Inter take an early lead, with Lautaro Martínez scoring the opener in the 30th minute. The Argentine forward capitalized on a swift counter-attack, putting Inter ahead 1-0. However, the home team faced a contentious moment just minutes later when Pedri González’s shot struck the arm of Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni. Despite the protests from Barcelona players, referee Szymon Marciniak waved away the claims for a penalty, a decision later backed by VAR analysis. Former referee Iturralde González commented, "The ball came from Bastoni's own foot, it's a rebound, and it hit his arm; there’s no penalty here."
As the first half progressed, Barcelona struggled to find their rhythm, but the tide turned just before halftime. Following a defensive lapse from Barcelona, Lautaro was fouled by Pau Cubarsí in the penalty area, leading Marciniak to review the incident on VAR. After confirming the foul, he awarded a penalty, which Hakan Çalhanoglu converted, extending Inter's lead to 2-0.
Iturralde González analyzed the penalty decision, stating, "Cubarsí's boot made contact first with Lautaro's boot, which is why it was deemed a penalty. This was a tough call, but the right decision was made." The first half ended with Inter leading 2-0, and the aggregate score at 5-3.
The second half began with Barcelona showing renewed vigor. They quickly turned the momentum, scoring three goals in a remarkable comeback. Relying on their attacking prowess, Barcelona equalized through a series of well-coordinated plays. However, their lead was short-lived as Francesco Acerbi leveled the match in injury time, sending the game into extra time.
Inter's resilience shone through in extra time, as Davide Frattesi scored the decisive goal, sealing the victory and ensuring their place in the Champions League final. The match was a testament to Inter's determination, especially after a difficult week where they had lost three consecutive matches, as noted by Alessandro Bastoni in the pre-match press conference.
Bastoni had expressed confidence in his team, stating, "We are potentially two games away from lifting the Champions League trophy. We will give more than 110% on the pitch, and we need the support of our fans to push us through this challenge." His words resonated as the crowd erupted in support during key moments of the match.
Throughout the match, Denzel Dumfries emerged as a standout performer, contributing significantly to Inter's attack. He was involved in four goals over the two legs of the semi-final, marking a historic achievement for the Dutch wing-back. His performance drew comparisons to Karim Benzema's record in 2022, showcasing his importance in crucial matches.
As the final whistle blew, Inter Milan celebrated their hard-fought victory, with players and fans alike reveling in the moment. The aggregate score of 7-6 highlighted the intensity of the tie and the competitive spirit of both teams. Inter now looks ahead to the final, where they will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal, who are set to clash in the other semi-final.
Barcelona, despite their defeat, demonstrated their attacking capabilities and resilience, particularly in the second half. Coach Hansi Flick will undoubtedly reflect on the missed opportunities and the need for a more cohesive performance in future matches.
The final, scheduled to take place in Munich, promises to be an exciting encounter as Inter Milan aims for their first Champions League title since 2010. With players like Lautaro Martínez, who has now matched Hernan Crespo’s record of nine goals in a single Champions League season, the team is brimming with confidence.
As the football world turns its attention to the final, all eyes will be on Inter Milan to see if they can clinch the prestigious trophy and add another chapter to their storied history in European football.
