UCL: Inter Milan Reach Second Final in Three Years With Epic Win over Barcelona
Inter Milan secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League final for the second time in three years after a breathtaking 4-3 victory over Barcelona in the second leg of their semi-final tie, winning 7-6 on aggregate.
The evening began with high expectations following a dramatic 3-3 draw in the first leg. Inter took the lead in the 21st minute when Lautaro Martínez scored after a clever assist from Denzel Dumfries. Hakan Çalhanoğlu doubled the lead just before halftime with a penalty, leaving the hosts in a commanding position.
However, Barcelona displayed their trademark fighting spirit in the second half. Eric García volleyed home a stunning goal to ignite hope for the visitors, and Dani Olmo soon equalized, leveling the aggregate score at 5-5. Raphinha then put Barcelona ahead for the first time in the tie, making it 6-5.
Just when it seemed Barcelona would advance, Inter’s Francesco Acerbi struck back in the dying moments, scoring in the 90+3 minute to send the match into extra time. In the 99th minute, Davide Frattesi curled a beautiful shot into the net, restoring Inter’s lead at 7-6 on aggregate.
Despite Barcelona’s continued pressure, Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer made a series of crucial saves, including a spectacular denial of Lamine Yamal’s effort, ensuring his team’s place in the final. The match concluded with an outpouring of joy from the home crowd, celebrating an unforgettable night of football.
Inter’s coach, Simone Inzaghi, praised his players’ spirit, saying, “It took a super Inter to win this match. They showed heart and resilience.” Meanwhile, Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick, expressed his disappointment, despite being proud of his team’s performance.
With this victory, Inter Milan advances to their second Champions League final in three years, where they will face the winner of the semi-final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain on May 31 in Munich.
