Inter Milan secured their place in the Champions League final after a dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory against Barcelona, capping one of the most thrilling European ties in recent history. The Italian side will now head to Munich for their second Champions League final appearance in three years.
Davide Frattesi scored the decisive goal in extra time, completing Inter\'s remarkable journey through a tie that produced a joint-record 13 goals across both legs. Barcelona, despite holding a statistical edge with 2.85 xG compared to Inter\'s 2.45, saw their treble hopes dashed. Inter keeper Yann Sommer was largely responsible for stopping multiple strong chances from Lamine Yamal.
Match Drama Unfolds At San Siro
Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring for Inter in the 21st minute before Hakan Calhanoglu doubled their advantage with a penalty just before halftime. Barcelona mounted an impressive comeback with Gerard Martin providing assists for both Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo to level the score.
Raphinha appeared to have completed Barcelona\'s remarkable turnaround with an 87th-minute goal. However, 37-year-old defender Francesco Acerbi forced extra time with his dramatic equalizer in the third minute of stoppage time.
\"My heart was beating out of my chest, it\'s really incredible,\" match-winner Frattesi told CBS after the game. \"There will never be another match like that. It\'s crazy. My family are all here today and this is something I will tell my kids in the future.\"
\"When we conceded the third goal, I spoke to Marcus Thuram and I said we would go to the final. I don\'t know how we then scored the goal. It was crazy.\"
Inter manager Simone Inzaghi praised his team\'s resilience: \"We had some problems but, with heart, we went over every obstacle. We tried to play with the qualities we have. After the first leg, we had the game plan in mind, but without the sacrifice and the help of all of us together, you can\'t do it. Well done guys — they deserve this final.\"
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick remained philosophical in defeat: \"The players and the team deserve respect. We want to win titles. When they come back and they look at themselves in the mirror, I hope they feel proud. The cycle has started but we haven\'t reached the top. We have to stand up, that was the message I wanted to give my players.\"
The tie\'s 13-goal total matches the Champions League knockout stage record, equaling Liverpool\'s 7-6 aggregate win over Roma in 2018 and Bayern Munich\'s 12-1 victory against Sporting CP in 2008.
Via The Athletic