Milan [Italy], May 7 (ANI): In what turned out to be one of the most memorable UEFA Champions League semifinals ever, an extra-time goal from Davide Frattesi helped Inter Milan book their ticket to the title clash after beating Barcelona by 4-3 in their second-leg clash at San Siro, Milan on Tuesday night.
With this victory, Inter Milan, chasing their fourth UEFA CL title and their first since the 2009-10 season, have beaten Barcelona by 7-6 on aggregate, after a 3-3 draw in their first match.
In the first half, Inter Milan had things very comfortable with a 2-0 lead. In the 21st minute, it was Lautaro Martinez who broke the deadlock. Just before the end of half-time, a penalty conversion from Hakan Calhanoglou doubled the lead for the hosts.
Barcelona, who seemed down and out in the first half, emerged back in the game strongly in the second half. A volley from Eric Garcia in the 54th minute gave Barca their first goal of the match. A powerful header from Dani Olmo in the 60th minute infused a new life into the game during the 60th minute, equalling the scoreline at 2-2.
In the 87th minute, Raphinha worked his magic. Following an initial attempt at scoring that was blocked by Yann Sommer, he managed to find the back of the net with a follow-up shot, putting Barcelona ahead in the game and also taking the lead in the overall aggregate score.
Francesco Acerbi, sent off towards the end of the game, proved worthy of the trust placed in him by scoring his inaugural European goal, which forced the match into extra time. However, Barcelona fans’ delight was fleeting since they only maintained their advantage for around five minutes. The overall score stood at 3-3, with the cumulative tally being 6-6.
In the 99th minute, Frattesi delivered the final blow, giving Inter Milan the lead during the match and overall, helping them reach their second UEFA Champions League final in three years. He celebrated this incredible moment by climbing on the metal barriers, giving a massive crowd of overjoyed and relieved home fans some star-studded company in their celebrations.
Following the match, Inter Milan boss said, as quoted by Sky Sports, “First of all, I have to congratulate Barcelona – a really strong team.”
“It took a super Inter – a round of applause for these guys, who put in two monstrous performances. I am happy to be their coach. They gave me everything they had. It is right that they enjoy their success in this stadium. We had some problems, but with heart, we went over every obstacle. We tried to play it 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 cannot do it. They [the players] deserve this final,” he concluded.
On the other hand, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick said that his team deserved the finals, but their players could still be proud of their effort.
“I understand everyone feels let down right now. We put a great deal into this game. In my view, I’m very proud of my team for giving their all. Next year we’ll return with the aim to claim victory in the Champions League,” stated Hansi.
If you experience the vibe of tonight’s match, you’ll be eager to return. We must acknowledge the outcome. Inter’s forwards are both powerful and seasoned. Our squad is youthful, yet we aim for growth. It’s our responsibility to continually enhance this team. There’s room for improvement in defense as well as offense.
“In the latter part of the game, our performance as a cohesive unit improved significantly from what it was in the opening half. Although this loss is difficult to accept, we must rise above it. That’s the message I wish to convey to my teammates. In my opinion, my squad merited their place in the finals. As they reflect upon today’s match tonight, they should feel genuinely proud,” he stated conclusively. (ANI)
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