Inter Milan have booked their spot in the Champions League final after a thrilling 4-3 win over Barcelona in the second leg of their semi-final tie. The Italian side won 7-6 on aggregate, with Davide Frattesi scoring the decisive goal in extra time.
The match was an instant classic, with both teams creating numerous scoring opportunities. Inter took the lead in the 21st minute when Lautaro Martinez coolly slotted home a pass from Denzel Dumfries. The Argentine striker, who had missed the first leg due to injury, was making his presence felt from the start. Martinez’s goal was a testament to Inter’s quick counter-attacking style, which caught Barcelona off guard.
Calhanoglu’s Penalty Gives Inter a Comfortable Lead
Inter doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time when Hakan Calhanoglu converted a penalty after Pau Cubarsi was adjudged to have fouled Martinez in the box. Calhanoglu’s spot-kick was perfectly placed, sending Wojciech Szczesny the wrong way. The penalty gave Inter a comfortable lead, and they looked even more comfortable when Francesco Acerbi headed home Calhanoglu’s free-kick seven minutes after the break. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Barcelona Fight Back
Barcelona pulled one back just two minutes later when Eric Garcia thumped a first-time shot past Yann Sommer. The Spanish side continued to push for an equalizer, and their efforts paid off when Dani Olmo headed home Gerard Martin’s cross on the hour mark. Barcelona took the lead for the first time in the tie when Raphinha fired home the rebound after Sommer parried his initial shot.
Acerbi’s Late Equalizer
However, Inter refused to give up. They equalized just moments later when Acerbi fired home Dumfries’ low cross in the 93rd minute. The goal took the match into extra time, where Frattesi scored the decisive goal, bending a low shot past Szczesny in the 99th minute.
Inter Reach the Final
Inter’s win means they will play in their second Champions League final in three seasons. Since Simone Inzaghi’s arrival in 2021, they are one of only two teams, along with Real Madrid, to reach the showpiece more than once. The Italian side will be looking to win their first Champions League title since 2010.
A Match for the Ages
This match will be remembered for a long time, with both teams creating numerous scoring opportunities. The match is now the joint-highest scoring semi-final in Champions League history, along with Liverpool 7-6 Roma in 2017-18. Inter fans will be delighted with their team’s performance, while Barcelona fans will be left wondering what could have been.
Post-Match Analysis
The match was a testament to the attacking prowess of both teams. Inter’s Lautaro Martinez scored eight goals in his last seven appearances in the Champions League, while Hakan Calhanoglu continued his perfect record from the spot. Raphinha’s goal in the match took his total goal involvements in the Champions League this season to 21, equaling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record in the 2013-14 season.
What’s Next?
Inter will now prepare for the Champions League final, where they will face the winner of the other semi-final tie(PSG vs Arsenal)The Italian side will be looking to win their first Champions League title since 2010, and they will be confident of doing so after their thrilling win over Barcelona.
Source: Africa Publicity
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