Inter Advances to Final After Thrilling Victory

Davide Frattesi propelled Inter Milan into the Champions League final on Tuesday, securing a dramatic 4-3 victory over Barcelona in extra time, culminating in a 7-6 aggregate score.

Amidst a downpour in Milan, Italian midfielder Frattesi delivered the decisive blow in the 99th minute, igniting jubilant celebrations at a packed San Siro.

Simone Inzaghi’s squad will now prepare to face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in Munich later this month, harboring aspirations of clinching their fourth European title after triumphing in this memorable encounter.

This victory revitalized Inter’s season, especially after their treble aspirations were dashed following their exit against Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

Inter Milan relinquished their Serie A lead to Napoli, who are now favored to secure the domestic league title, subsequent to their elimination by Bayern. Additionally, AC Milan ousted them from the Italian Cup a couple of weeks prior.

However, Inter shattered Barcelona’s hopes for a quadruple and now approach the final weeks of the season with renewed vigor, anticipating their second Champions League final in three seasons.

Frattesi’s decisive goal, marking his seventh of the season and arguably the most pivotal of his career, was particularly remarkable considering Inter’s near elimination.

With just two minutes remaining in regular time, the hosts were on the brink of defeat when Raphinha completed Barcelona’s comeback from a two-goal deficit, giving them a 3-2 lead.

Yet, Francesco Acerbi stunned the stadium, especially the Barcelona supporters, by converting Denzel Dumfries’ cross in the second minute of added time.

This goal emerged unexpectedly, as Barcelona had dominated the second half of normal time after trailing at halftime due to Lautaro Martinez’s superb goal and Hakan Calhanoglu’s penalty in stoppage time.

Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo leveled the score for Barcelona with goals in the 54th and 60th minutes, both assisted by exceptional passes from Gerard Martin. Yann Sommer’s outstanding goalkeeping kept Inter within striking distance.

Sommer’s save on Eric Garcia during a rapid Barcelona counter-attack stood out as a potential save of the season.

The Swiss goalkeeper proved crucial again in the 113th minute, making another remarkable save from Lamine Yamal, who had struck the post shortly before Acerbi’s equalizer.

Inter Milan then defended resolutely against Barcelona as their fans held their breath before erupting in celebration at the final whistle of what was an enthralling match.