In a thrilling UEFA Youth League quarter-final clash on April 1, 2025, Trabzonspor edged out Inter Milan 1-0, marking a historic moment for the Turkish club in front of a record crowd of nearly 40,000 fans at the Şenol Güneş Spor Kompleksi. The victory not only sent Trabzonspor into the semi-finals but also highlighted their remarkable journey in the tournament, which has seen them surpass all previous Turkish contenders.
From the outset, the atmosphere was electric as Trabzonspor's passionate supporters filled the stadium, creating an intimidating environment for the visiting Nerazzurri. Inter Milan, under the guidance of coach Andrea Zanchetta, entered the match with high hopes of reaching the final four for the first time in their history. They had displayed impressive form throughout the tournament, winning all eight of their previous matches.
The match began with both teams testing each other, but it was Inter who came closest to scoring in the first half. In the 39th minute, Matteo Cocchi was fouled in the penalty area by Trabzonspor's Oğuzhan Yılmaz, leading to a penalty kick for Inter. Luka Topalović stepped up to take the crucial shot, but his effort was thwarted by the quick reflexes of Trabzonspor goalkeeper Erol Can Çolak, who saved the penalty, keeping the score level at halftime.
Despite the setback, Inter continued to press forward, with Spinaccè coming close to scoring just minutes later, but his attempt failed to find the net. The first half ended with the score still at 0-0, but it was clear that the tension was building as both teams sought to gain the upper hand.
As the second half unfolded, Trabzonspor began to find their rhythm, pressing Inter and forcing them into mistakes. The pivotal moment came in the 77th minute when substitute Ekrem Terzi capitalized on a miscommunication between Inter defenders Lavelli and Topalović. Terzi sprinted into the box and unleashed a deflected shot that found its way into the back of the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
With the score now 1-0, Trabzonspor’s defense held firm against Inter's desperate attempts to equalize. The Turkish side, buoyed by their fans, managed to maintain their lead through to the final whistle, securing their place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Youth League.
After the match, coach Eyüp Saka expressed his pride in his team's performance, stating, "We played with heart and determination. The support from our fans was incredible, and it drove us to achieve this historic victory." Meanwhile, Zanchetta reflected on the match, saying, "We created opportunities but couldn’t convert them. Football can be cruel sometimes, but we have to learn from this experience and come back stronger."
This victory marks a significant achievement for Trabzonspor, making them the first Turkish team to reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Youth League. They will face Austrian side Salzburg, who triumphed over Olympiacos in their quarter-final match.
The semi-finals are set to take place on April 25, 2025, at the Colovray Sports Centre in Nyon, Switzerland, where Trabzonspor will look to continue their dream run in the tournament. As for Inter Milan, they exit the competition with their heads held high, having shown great potential throughout their campaign.
With this result, Trabzonspor not only advances but also sets a new standard for Turkish clubs in European youth competitions, proving that they can compete with the best. The excitement is palpable as fans eagerly await the next chapter in this thrilling tournament.
