In a thrilling showdown at the Giuseppe Meazza, Inter Milan has taken a significant step toward the Champions League final, leading FC Barcelona 2-0 at halftime in the second leg of their semi-final clash. This match comes just six days after a sensational first leg that ended in a 3-3 draw in Barcelona, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter.
The atmosphere was electric as the teams took to the field, with over 75,000 passionate supporters in attendance, creating a vibrant backdrop for this pivotal match. Inter started strong, demonstrating their intent to capitalize on their home advantage from the outset.
It didn't take long for the Nerazzurri to find the back of the net. Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring in the 21st minute, pouncing on a defensive error from Barcelona. The Argentine forward was set up by Denzel Dumfries, who capitalized on a Barcelona mistake in midfield. Martinez's calm finish sent the home fans into a frenzy, giving Inter a crucial lead.
As the match progressed, Inter continued to apply pressure on Barcelona's defense, which struggled to contain the Italian side's swift counter-attacks. The visitors, while enjoying 67% possession, found it challenging to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized Inter backline.
The turning point of the half came just before the break. In the 44th minute, a controversial moment unfolded when referee Szymon Marciniak awarded a penalty to Inter after a VAR review. The replay showed that Cubarsi had fouled Martinez in the box, and Hakan Çalhanoglu stepped up to take the penalty. With nerves of steel, Çalhanoglu converted the spot-kick in the 45th minute, sending the ball past Wojciech Szczęsny, who dived the wrong way. This goal not only doubled Inter's advantage but also put them ahead 5-3 on aggregate.
However, the tension didn't end there. Following the penalty, a heated exchange occurred between players, resulting in a yellow card for Çalhanoglu after a late challenge on Dani Olmo. Both teams were visibly frustrated, with the Barcelona players expressing their displeasure over the penalty decision as they headed into the locker room.
As the second half approaches, Barcelona faces a daunting task. They need at least two goals to force extra time, and their performance in the first half left much to be desired. Despite the talent of players like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, the Catalans struggled to break through Inter's resolute defense, which effectively neutralized their attacking threats.
Coach Hansi Flick will need to rally his troops during the halftime break. Barcelona must find a way to unlock Inter's defense and regain control of the match if they hope to keep their dreams of a Champions League final alive. The absence of key players like Jules Koundé, who traveled to Milan with supporters despite being sidelined due to injury, has undoubtedly impacted their performance.
Meanwhile, Inter's coach Simone Inzaghi will be pleased with his team's display thus far. They have executed their game plan effectively, with a focus on quick transitions and exploiting Barcelona's defensive lapses. Inzaghi's praise for Yamal as a 'phenomenon' highlights the respect he has for the young Spaniard, but so far, the teenager has been kept quiet by the Inter defense led by Bastoni and Dimarco.
As the teams prepare to return to the pitch, the stakes couldn't be higher. Inter is just 45 minutes away from a place in the final, where they could seek redemption after losing to Manchester City in the last Champions League final. For Barcelona, the urgency is palpable; they haven't reached this stage of the tournament since 2015 and will need to dig deep to mount a comeback.
The second half promises to be an exhilarating affair, with both teams having everything to play for. Can Barcelona orchestrate a remarkable turnaround, or will Inter hold firm and secure their spot in the final? The answer awaits as the match resumes.
