In a Champions League semi-final second leg filled with drama, goals, and unforgettable performances, Inter Milan secured their place in the final after a breathtaking 4-3 win over FC Barcelona after extra time, sealing a 7-6 aggregate victory. Despite the elimination, the match will be remembered for the masterclass from young Lamine Yamal and the resilience of Inter’s defense led by Yann Sommer.
🔥 A Night of Pure Drama
The clash at San Siro exploded from the very first minute as Lautaro Martínez found the net, followed by a penalty converted by Hakan Çalhanoğlu in the 39th minute to give Inter a 2-0 lead. But Barcelona refused to go down without a fight. Eric Garcia pulled one back just before halftime, and Dani Olmo equalized in the 60th minute.
Raphinha then gave the Catalans the lead in the 74th, seemingly putting them in control of the tie. But Inter struck back dramatically in stoppage time with a Francesco Acerbi goal (90+3’) to force extra time. Davide Frattesi then delivered the knockout blow with a goal in the 99th minute that would send Inter to the final.
(Source: The Guardian)
🌟 Lamine Yamal: A Star Is Born
At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal delivered a performance beyond his years. He scored a stunning goal in the first half, constantly tormented Inter’s defense, and nearly added a second with a shot that struck the post. Despite being booed throughout the match by the San Siro crowd, Yamal showed incredible poise and confidence, confirming his status as one of football’s brightest young stars.
(Source: Bild)
🧤 Yann Sommer: A Tough, But Crucial Night
Inter’s Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer had a mixed evening. He made several vital saves but also conceded three goals, including an unfortunate own goal after a powerful Raphinha shot. Though not at his best statistically, Sommer’s composure and leadership were key in guiding Inter through one of the most intense matches in recent Champions League history.
(Source: CBS Sports)
📊 Player Ratings
FC Barcelona
- Lamine Yamal: 9/10 – Stunning goal, dangerous throughout.
- Ferran Torres: 7.9 – Involved and efficient in front of goal.
- Raphinha: 7.7 – Lively and scored a crucial goal.
- Dani Olmo: 6.9 – Equalized, worked hard.
- Frenkie de Jong & Pedri: 7.1 – Solid midfield control.
- Wojciech Szczesny: 4.9 – Struggled to contain Inter’s attack.
Inter Milan
- Denzel Dumfries: 9.3 – Man of the match, two goals, tireless energy.
- Francesco Acerbi: 6.9 – Scored the dramatic equalizer.
- Marcus Thuram: 7.3 – Provided an assist and constant threat.
- Yann Sommer: 6.1 – Mixed performance, but key saves.
- Hakan Çalhanoğlu: 7.3 – Controlled midfield and scored from the spot.
📈 Key Match Stats
- Possession: Barcelona 58% – Inter 42%
- Shots: Barcelona 19 – Inter 14
- Shots on Target: Barcelona 9 – Inter 7
- Expected Goals (xG): Barcelona 2.8 – Inter 2.3
🏆 What’s Next?
Inter Milan are now through to the Champions League final, where they will face the winner of the other semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. As for FC Barcelona, this dramatic exit will sting, but with emerging talents like Lamine Yamal, the future of the club looks incredibly promising.
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