By Kazeem Ugbodaga
In an electrifying semifinal clash destined to be remembered as one of the most exciting games in Champions League history, Inter Milan narrowly defeated Barcelona with a score of 4-3 on the night and 7-6 overall, advancing triumphantly to the finals of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League.
Held beneath the lights at San Siro, this match was an unpredictable mix of excitement, skill, dispute, and unbridled soccer chaos. Both teams exchanged attacks right up until the last moment of extra time.
Inter didn’t waste any time asserting their dominance in the game. By the 21st minute, Lautaro Martínez concluded a smooth play sequence, driving a powerful low strike past the goalkeeper following an astute assist from Denzel Dumfries, giving the home team a 1-0 advantage.
Shortly thereafter, chaos ensued when Barcelona demanded a penalty following an alleged handball inside the Inter area. Despite referee Szymon Marciniak allowing play to continue initially, a video assistant referee (VAR) check was initiated. Much to the frustration of the away team’s players, their appeals were denied as no penalty was awarded.
Inter
kept increasing the pressure. Just seconds before halftime, Lautaro Martínez fell following a tackle, and this time the VAR sided with Inter. Hakan Çalhanoğlu confidently scored from the penalty spot during first-half added time, doubling their advantage to 2-0, which sent the San Siro into jubilation.
After the break, Barcelona mounted a spirited comeback. Eric Garcia halved the deficit in the 54th minute with a stunning finish into the top corner, and just six minutes later, Dani Olmo powered in a header from Gerard Martin’s inviting cross to make it 2-2.
The Catalan giants weren’t done yet. Raphinha pounced on a rebound in the 87th minute to give Barcelona a 3-2 lead on the night and put them ahead on aggregate. But Inter weren’t ready to bow out.
During the third minute of added time, Denzel Dumfries once again played as the assist king, setting up Francesco Acerbi. Acerbi then unleashed a powerful shot to level the score at 3-3, pushing the match into extra time.
As his legs grew weary and the pace dropped just a bit, it was Inter’s Davide Frattesi who delivered the decisive moment. In the 99th minute, he capitalized on a precisely placed assist from Mehdi Taremi and demonstrated remarkable composure as he calmly tucked the ball into the lower-left part of the net, sealing the match with a score of 4-3.
In their quest for another chance at redemption, Barcelona pushed all their players forward. Lamine Yamal showcased incredible ball control, nearly scoring on two occasions, yet Inter’s goalie Yann Sommer rose to every challenge, putting forth an extraordinary display in goal.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).