Inter Milan triumphed in a dramatic Champions League semi-final against Barcelona, securing a 7-6 aggregate win after a thrilling 4-3 victory in Milan. The match, which featured late-game drama and a series of comebacks, has been hailed as one of the greatest encounters in recent history.
A Thrilling Encounter: Back-and-Forth Drama
From the opening whistle, this semi-final delivered excitement for football fans. In the first leg, played in Barcelona, both teams exchanged blows. Barcelona managed to recover from a 2-0 and 3-2 deficit to draw 3-3.
In Milan, Barcelona once again faced a 2-0 deficit at halftime, trailing 5-3 overall. The Spanish side responded valiantly in the second half, scoring three unanswered goals to take a 6-5 lead on aggregate.
The Final Twist: Acerbi and Frattesi’s Heroic Performances
The drama reached its peak in the final minutes. Raphinha’s 87th-minute strike put Barcelona ahead for the first time in the tie. But Francesco Acerbi, at 37 years old, scored his first-ever European goal to level the match and force extra time.
In extra time, Davide Frattesi made the decisive play, scoring the winning goal and sending San Siro into a frenzy. The final whistle confirmed Inter’s 7-6 aggregate victory and their place in the Champions League final.
A Historic Semi-Final: Record-Breaking Goal Count
This Champions League semi-final equaled the highest-scoring ever, matching the 13 goals scored in Liverpool’s 7-6 win over Roma in 2018. “We never saw this coming, did we?” said Alan Shearer, who was reporting live from inside the San Siro. “We hoped for a great clash, but this surpassed expectations. Thank you Inter Milan and thank you Barcelona for two unforgettable matches.”
Inter Milan’s Resilience and Grit
After 210 minutes of intense football, Inter’s players were exhausted but victorious. As the final whistle blew at 23:38 local time, they collapsed onto the pitch in celebration. The fans, already dreaming of the final in Munich, joined in the ecstasy.
“I honestly don’t know what just happened!” said Frattesi after the match. “I shouted so loud that I made my head spin.” Despite conceding three goals in 33 minutes, Inter’s resilience shone through, and they fought back to secure the win.
“We never saw this coming,” Shearer added. “It looked over for Inter, but they found a way. They earned every bit of it.”
Can Inter Milan End Italy’s 15-Year European Drought?
Inter Milan’s win in this dramatic semi-final not only secured their place in the Champions League final but also raised hopes of ending Italy’s 15-year wait for European glory. The last Italian club to win the prestigious tournament was Inter themselves, under José Mourinho, in 2010. No Italian side has claimed the title since then.
While not the favorites at the start of the competition, Inter now find themselves in an excellent position. With both Real Madrid and Manchester City eliminated, Inter’s chances are strong. They have also extended an impressive streak of 16 unbeaten Champions League home games, their best European run since the 1980s.
Inzaghi Reflects on a Magical Night
“It was a magical night,” said Inter manager Simone Inzaghi. “A memory to share with our fans, our club, and our families. These players achieved something truly special.”
The team’s performance against elite teams like Bayern Munich and Barcelona will go down in history. Denzel Dumfries was a standout performer, finishing the semi-final with two goals and three assists. “What a mad game! Seven goals today—it was insane,” Dumfries said after the match.
Frattesi also reflected on the emotional rollercoaster. “After the game in Munich, I thought I’d never feel those emotions again,” he said. “But football always surprises you. That’s the beauty of it. My whole career I’ve believed first and never given up last.”
As Inter Milan prepares for the final, the question remains: can they end Italy’s long wait for European glory once again? With their remarkable resilience and strong performances, fans around the world are eager to see if Inter can claim the title in Munich on May 31.