Can Inter Milan Overcome Barcelona in a Thrilling Encounter?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Inter Milan secured their place in the Champions League final.
- The match ended with a dramatic scoreline of 4-3 after extra time.
- Inter will aim for their fourth European title.
- The tie produced a record equaling 13 goals.
- Barcelona was denied a final appearance for the first time since 2015.
Milan (Italy), May 7 (NationPress) Inter Milan has secured a place in the UEFA Champions League final after an exhilarating 4-3 victory in extra time against Barcelona on Tuesday, achieving a 7-6 aggregate triumph in the semifinal's second leg held at San Siro.
The seven-time finalists, who last appeared in the title match in 2023, are now aiming for their fourth European title when they compete against either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in the final at Munich's Allianz Arena on May 31, as reported by Xinhua.
Lautaro Martinez initiated the scoring in the 21st minute, finishing from close range after Federico Dimarco dispossessed Frenkie de Jong near the sidelines, allowing Denzel Dumfries to deliver a precise cross.
Just before halftime, Martinez earned a penalty after being fouled in the box, and Hakan Calhanoglu successfully converted it, extending Inter's lead to 2-0.
Barcelona initiated a comeback in the second half. A cross from Gerard Martin found Eric Garcia, who volleyed in from inside the area in the 54th minute. Six minutes later, Dani Olmo equalized the match with a powerful header, again from Martin's delivery. In the 87th minute, Raphinha appeared to secure victory for the visitors, tapping in a rebound to put Barcelona ahead 3-2.
However, Inter responded deep into stoppage time. Dumfries provided another low cross, reaching Francesco Acerbi, whose finish forced extra time and rejuvenated the home fans.
The decisive goal came in the 99th minute when Marcus Thuram broke down the right and cut the ball back to Mehdi Taremi, who laid it off to Davide Frattesi. The Italian midfielder curled a shot into the far corner, completing Inter’s remarkable comeback and securing their spot in the final.
This two-legged tie produced 13 goals, matching the record for the most in a Champions League knockout round matchup. Inter has previously claimed the trophy in 1964, 1965, and 2010.
Barcelona, a five-time European champion, was denied a return to the final for the first time since 2015.