Credited from: LEMONDE
Inter Milan triumphed over Barcelona in a gripping Champions League semifinal, winning 4-3 after extra time, which resulted in a stunning 7-6 aggregate victory. Substitute Davide Frattesi emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 99th minute after Francesco Acerbi had earlier saved Inter from elimination with a last-minute equalizer. This memorable clash confirms Inter's place in the final of the Champions League, where they will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal later this month, according to Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.
The encounter unfolded as two halves defined by contrasting performances, with Inter initially taking a commanding 2-0 lead after goals from Lautaro Martínez and Hakan Çalhanoğlu. However, Barcelona rallied in the second half, with Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo quickly leveling the match. Raphinha seemed poised to secure the win for the Catalans with a late goal, but Acerbi's stunning equalizer kept Inter's hopes alive, as detailed by Channel News Asia and Le Monde.
During the tense extra time, Frattesi proved instrumental once again with his carefully placed shot, bringing euphoria to the Inter supporters. Frattesi expressed overwhelming joy post-match, stating, "I screamed so much that I saw everything black," and acknowledged his dedication to the victory, reflecting on the importance of perseverance throughout the game, according to Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.
In reflection, Barcelona faced disappointment despite their domestic successes, as they shift focus back to LaLiga where they hold a lead over Real Madrid. Their coach Hansi Flick commented on the loss, emphasizing the resilience of their young squad, while defender Eric Garcia lamented, "Football has been very cruel to us,” a sentiment resonating throughout the team, as noted by Channel News Asia, Le Monde, and Reuters.