Inter and Barca play out another all time classic
Inter Milan 4 - 3 Barcelona (Inter won 7-6 on aggregate)
Inter Milan staged a remarkable late comeback to beat Barcelona in one of the most thrilling Champions League semi-finals in recent memory.
Author - Josh T
Stadium - San Siro
With just two minutes of stoppage time remaining, Inter were trailing 3-2 on the night and facing elimination. But veteran defender Francesco Acerbi powered a cross into the roof of the net to draw the tie level, tearing off his shirt in celebration as the San Siro erupted.
Moments of high drama continued into extra time, where substitute Davide Frattesi curled a superb left-footed shot into the bottom corner to win it for the Italian champions. He climbed a security fence to celebrate with Inter’s fans, who had witnessed an astonishing turnaround.
Barcelona had appeared set for their first final in a decade, having come from 2-0 down on the night to lead 3-2, echoing their fightback in the first leg.
Teenage forward Lamine Yamal came close to forcing penalties but was twice denied by excellent saves from Yann Sommer, as Inter held on to book their place in the final amid jubilant scenes.
How did we get here?
After Lautaro Martinez scored to give Inter the lead, Hakan Calhanoglu converted a penalty just before halftime, leaving Barcelona trailing 5-3 on aggregate and in serious trouble.
Hansi Flick's team took control in the second half. Former Manchester City defender Eric Garcia scored a volley for Barcelona, bringing the score to 2-1. In the 60th minute, Dani Olmo scored a brilliant diving header from Gerard Martin's cross, leveling the match at 2-2 and tying the aggregate score at 5-5.
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Raphinha grabbed what appeared to be an 87th-minute winner as Barca went ahead for the first time in the tie, when he converted a rebound after Sommer had saved his first strike. Inter managed to save themselves with that equaliser, although Yamal had a chance to win the tie in the sixth minute of stoppage time only for Sommer to make a vital stop. That dramatic save gave Inter the platform to win in the extra 30 minutes.
The two legs delivered 13 goals, relentless momentum swings and gripping football from start to finish. The result sends Inter into a second Champions League final in three seasons. They were perhaps unlucky not to beat Manchester City in 2023 and will be hoping to go one better this year.
Post match reaction
Check out the atmosphere outside the San Siro after the match
Those who watched the match at home on TV were enthralled by the drama. One commentator said: "It gave us everything. From start to finish last week to this week, everything about this semi-final has been pure entertainment."
Liam C watched with his friends, saying: “We anticipated an exciting match, but I'd imagine that exceeded our expectations. Thank you Inter Milan and Barcelona for providing incredible entertainment with two fantastic games of football.”
