sportskeeda
LET’S skip the final and simply crown Inter Milan as the Champions League champions – this performance is unbeatable.
Neither Arsenal nor Paris Saint-Germain are likely to enjoy the prospect of facing the powerhouse led by Simone Inzaghi.
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They triumphed over Barcelona in a stunning semi-final with a breathtaking finish.
These two teams battled to a thrilling tie just a week earlier, aiming to outdo each other at the San Siro.
Inter started aggressively, but Barcelona’s comeback momentarily left them stunned.
In a surprising turn, it was Inter who made the game-changing play during extra time, with Davide Frattesi securing the victory.
The substitute exhibited remarkable composure amid the chaos, finishing expertly after an exquisite assist from Marcus Thuram.
Thuram battled fiercely down the right, outsmarting two defenders before setting up Mehdi Taremi, who then found Frattesi to finally overcome the tenacious Barcelona side.
Barcelona had managed to revive their hopes three times during this match.
Raphinha seemed to have sealed the win in the 87th minute, giving them a fleeting advantage.
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However, it was unexpected for the 37-year-old Francesco Acerbi to level the score with his first Champions League goal in the 93rd minute, prolonging the excitement.
Barcelona’s aspiring match-winner sunk to the ground, presenting a significant challenge for Hansi Flick’s team to overcome.
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With this victory, Inter has now extended their wait for a Champions League final to over ten years and reached their second final in just three years.
The ecstatic home fans welcomed their team bus with an incredible display of fireworks and flares.
Inzaghi’s squad amazed everyone with their attacking intensity and efficiency in an exciting first leg.
A spirited San Siro crowd anticipated a repeat of that thrilling performance and were not left disappointed.
They employed a similar tactics as a week ago, aiming to exploit Barcelona’s high defensive line, which proved fruitful once again.
Inter looked poised to take another quick lead, and they succeeded.
Denzel Dumfries, who netted twice in the previous week, found himself in a one-on-one with Federico Dimarco but smartly passed the ball to his captain.
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Lautaro Martinez, who was initially doubtful to start, took full advantage of the opportunity to celebrate in front of a frenzied sea of supporters waving black and blue banners, oblivious to the trials ahead.
Inter, typically adept at maintaining a slender lead, kept attacking.
Dumfries remained aggressive, while both strikers posed a continual threat.
Barcelona appeared to falter, with Jules Koundé sidelined and 18-year-old Pau Cubarsi struggling.
Hakan Çalhanoğlu missed a shot but soon had another opportunity thanks to the young defender’s slip-up.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan delivered one of many incisive balls for Martinez to chase; Cubarsi was caught off guard and resorted to a late challenge.
Referee Szymon Marciniak initially overlooked the appeals, but the San Siro crowd erupted in whistles as the captain writhed in pain.
Eventually, Marciniak reviewed the situation and altered his decision, allowing Çalhanoğlu the chance to step up and, for the second time in this matchup, double their advantage against Barça.
Inter had once again put Barcelona in a precarious situation, leaving the visitors feeling lost in the revered stadium.
Even experienced players looked bewildered beside their younger teammates.
Nonetheless, Barcelona, regardless of their age, have a talent for comebacks, reminiscent of their storied “Remontada” against Paris Saint-Germain eight years prior.
The creative play that kickstarted their revival in the previous leg was genius, while this was a more conventional but equally uplifting recovery.
Eric Garcia, a former Manchester City player, scored from Gerard Martin’s cross less than ten minutes after the interval.
Inter’s counter-attacks dwindled as Barcelona regained their composure, with Pedri orchestrating play.
Martin again delivered a sublime pass from deep, perfectly placed for Dani Olmo, who leveled the score with a header after trailing by two goals – once again.
The hosts appeared to lose their momentum as Barcelona’s recent resurgence seemed to sap their tenacity.
Inter appeared to stumble, prompting Inzaghi to make five substitutions to energize the team.
Yet, it seemed to be in vain.
Pedri spotted Raphinha in a prime position on the left, sending the former Leeds winger into space.
His initial shot was saved by Yann Sommer, but the Swiss goalkeeper deflected it, allowing Raphinha to convert his second chance.
The home crowd fell silent; some even began to depart in despair. But the players remained determined. Dumfries was undeterred – yet again – crossing for Acerbi, who scored with his first touch, reinforcing a lead that felt overwhelmingly secure.
Speculations about demolishing San Siro have circulated. At this pace, those jubilant celebrations nearly achieved that.
Inter, the underdogs, matched Barcelona goal for goal and ran the course.
Flick’s squad never surrendered, even after Frattesi’s decisive goal, but they continually faced resistance from Yamal and Sommer in goal. Ultimately, it proved too challenging to mount a comeback.
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