In the highest-scoring semi-final in UEFA Champions League history and one of the most exciting knockout duels in the history of world soccer, Inter Milan came up trumps at the San Siro and beat Barcelona 4-3 to book their place in the final. With that, the Nerzzuri overturned the Catalans' favoritism and put themselves in the final in a historic game.
Both teams didn't give up their characteristics at any time and this was the main feature of this memorable encounter. The strategies used in the first leg were maintained, with Inter using a lot of their verticality against Barça's high pressure. The goals didn't come in the opening minutes, but Yamal was the standout performer with many initiatives down the right and short passes.
But it was Inter who opened the scoring in the 21st minute, doubling up on Yamal and waiting for just the right moment to pounce and steal the ball in the attacking half in a fatal counter-attack. Dumfries was free in depth and laid the ball off for Lautaro Martínez to finish. The Inter star was also instrumental in the second goal, conceding Cubarsí's penalty in the box in the 44th minute, with Çalhanoglu decisive once again with a superb strike.
Barcelona reacted spectacularly in the second half
It looked as if Inter would be able to take it easy and manage the score, but Barça were largely dominant in the second half and imposed themselves offensively, even with new names at the helm of the attack. Gerard Martín had more freedom, needing nine minutes after the break to lay the ball off to Eric Garcia, who reduced the deficit.
With much more attacking volume and spectacular momentum, Barcelona came from all sides and found the equalizer thanks to another sensational pass from Gerard Martín, with Dani Olmo popping up at the far post to finish on goal. After that, Hansi Flick's side took advantage of a different atmosphere at the San Siro and went in search of the equalizer in the 86th minute, when Raphinha burst into the box well and curled two shots past Sommer.
However, just when Barcelona's qualification seemed to be on the horizon, Inter avoided elimination with a very unlikely hero. Gerard Martín lost the ball to Dumfries on the edge of the area and the Dutchman crossed for Acerbi to take the tie into extra time.
Frattesi and Sommer were the big names in the match
One of the most tense 30 minutes in recent soccer history didn't diminish the intensity of both teams, even with the accumulated fatigue, but Inter seemed to be more conserved. In a decisive move, Thuram found space on the right and won the battle with Frattesi in the area, and his shot was well placed to put Inter ahead.
But it was goalkeeper Sommer who really stood out. The Swiss had to save two spectacular balls from Lamine Yamal in the second half of extra time to seal the victory and ensure a memorable qualification, with the best performance of his career.