In a night that will echo through Champions League history, Inter Milan overcame Barcelona in a pulsating 4-3 win at the San Siro—7-6 on aggregate—to punch their ticket to the final in Munich. A match that swayed wildly across 120 minutes ended with substitute Davide Frattesi emerging as the unexpected hero, delivering the decisive blow in extra time.
Acerbi’s Timely Thunderbolt
With the clock ticking deep into injury time and Inter trailing by one on aggregate, few inside the stadium dared to dream. Then, out of nowhere, 37-year-old Francesco Acerbi unleashed a ferocious strike—his first-ever European goal—to level the tie at the death and send the match into extra time amid scenes of euphoria.
Frattesi Writes His Own Fairytale
Extra time was always going to demand a hero, and it was Frattesi who stepped into the spotlight. Just before the 100th minute, Marcus Thuram danced past defenders and squared it to the Italian midfielder, who took a composed touch before curling a stunning shot into the far corner. The roar from the San Siro said it all—Inter were back in front.
“It’s surreal,” Frattesi said post-match. “To be part of a night like this, after just getting fit—it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Fast Start, Sudden Storm
Inter were dominant in the early stages, with Lautaro Martínez finishing a blistering counterattack in the 21st minute. They doubled their advantage just before halftime when Hakan Çalhanoğlu converted from the spot after a clumsy foul on Denzel Dumfries.
But Barcelona stormed back after the break with a vengeance. Eric García’s header sparked hope, Dani Olmo slotted in the equalizer, and Raphinha’s late tap-in in the 87th minute turned the tie on its head. At that moment, it looked like Xavi’s side had pulled off the great escape.
Sommer Shuts the Door
Even after Frattesi’s clutch finish, Inter weren’t safe. Barcelona threw everything forward, and it took two acrobatic saves from goalkeeper Yann Sommer—both denying teenage sensation Lamine Yamal—to preserve the lead. The Swiss veteran was ice-cool under pressure, delivering when it mattered most.
Barça Bow Out, Bruised But Proud
For Barcelona, the Champions League dream ends in heartbreak. A season that had promised so much now hinges on domestic ambitions.
“It’s painful,” said García. “We left everything on that pitch. We’ll carry this fire into our remaining matches.”
Inter March Toward Munich
Inter Milan’s Champions League run now has its defining chapter—and potentially, an even greater one to come. Awaiting them in Munich is either PSG or Arsenal. For a club still chasing its first European crown since 2010, belief has never burned brighter.
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