In a thrilling two-legged semi-final clash of the UEFA Champions League that will undoubtedly be remembered, Inter Milan faced Barcelona in a high-energy match that concluded with Inter triumphing 4-3 at the San Siro, giving them a remarkable 7-6 aggregate victory. Renowned BBC Sport journalist Neil Johnston recapped the intense action, encapsulating the emotions of players and fans alike as they celebrated reaching the prestigious Champions League final, set to take place in Munich on May 31.
The synthetic atmosphere at the San Siro was electrified as both sides exhibited their offensive prowess. Inter Milan, under the management of Simone Inzaghi, demonstrated resilience after a tense first leg that saw the match conclude in a 3-3 draw at Camp Nou. Despite trailing at points during both legs, the tenacity of Inter was matched by their composure and skill under pressure. Leading up to the conclusion of the second leg, the stakes were high, with Barcelona appearing to be on the verge of advancing until substitute Davide Frattesi broke the deadlock in overtime, propelling Inter into the final.
Alan Shearer, a former England captain who watched the match live, provided an emotional commentary on the match experience. He expressed gratitude to both teams for their outstanding performance, emphasizing the entertainment value that the two games provided: “It gave us everything… Thank you Inter Milan, thank you Barcelona for providing us with incredible entertainment.” He acknowledged that the semi-final was a classic, reflected in the high number of goals scored, equaling the record for the highest-scoring semi-final in Champions League history.
As the match unfolded within the grand setting of the iconic San Siro, more than 70,000 fans were present, cheering passionately for their team. The off-and-on drama saw Inter quickly fall behind 2-0 before rallying with three unanswered goals, showcasing their offensive firepower. Raphinha’s 87th-minute goal brought Barcelona to a 3-2 lead, but it was Acerbi’s late equalizer that took the match into extra time. The final nail was driven in by Frattesi’s goal, sealing Barcelona’s fate and securing a place for Inter in the finals against esteemed competition in PSG or Arsenal.
What made this encounter especially intriguing is that it was not just about the goals, but the thrilling back-and-forth nature that left spectators on the edge of their seats. Inter’s defense, which had previously excelled throughout the tournament, found itself challenged by Barcelona’s relentless attacking style. The contrasting styles of both teams highlighted the evolution of modern football, where clean sheets were abandoned in favor of high-scoring matches, leaving defenders racing for safety. It’s worth noting that Inter conceded more goals in this two-leg series than they had in their first twelve matches of the competition combined.
The match also had historical milestones, as Francesco Acerbi became the second-oldest scorer in a Champions League semi-final at the impressive age of 37 years. His celebration reflected the joy and relief of a player who has battled through adversity. Meanwhile, Inter’s squad, particularly Hakan Calhanoglu and Denzel Dumfries, played pivotal roles in the two-leg defeat of Barcelona. Dumfries provided crucial contributions across both matches that showcased his importance as a playmaker.
Looking ahead, the question looms whether Inter Milan can end a 13-year drought for Italian football on the European stage, having not seen an Italian team claim the Champions League title since Inter’s own victory in 2010 under then-manager José Mourinho. They are now poised within striking distance of glory, defying odds historically stacked against them as they navigate through formidable competition. As they prepare for the final, the spirits of the fans and players remain high, reflecting the harmonious relationship fostered in football’s most thrilling moments. The culmination of their journey will reveal whether Italy will witness another Champions League champion emerge from their long-standing legacy.