Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi scored an extra-time winner as the Italian side ousted Barcelona 4-3 on Tuesday night, to advance to the final of the UEFA Champions League.
The Italian midfielder beat Barcelona’s goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny to spark wild scenes among the home side, as Inter edged the Spanish side 7-6 on aggregate after both legs.
How it happened
Both sides went into the second leg at the San Siro with all to play for after an entertaining 3-3 draw in the first leg last week.
The Nerazzurri were two up at halftime courtesy of a Lautaro Martinez strike and a penalty from Hakan Calhanoglu.
The Catalan giants came off the blocks in the second half and were back on level terms with two quick fire goals from Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo.
Brazil forward Raphinha put the visitors ahead for the first time in the 87th minute, before teenage sensation Lamine Yamal hit the posts moments later.
However, 37-year old Francesco Acerbi scored a late equalizer for the hosts, his first-ever UCL goal, to send the game into extra-time.
Frattesi scored in the ninth minute of extra-time to seal the victory for Inter Milan in one of the greatest UCL ties of all-time, as they advanced to the Champions League final for the second time in three years.
What next for Inter Milan?
The Italian champions are through to the Champions League final in Munich on May 31, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal between Arsenal and Paris Saint Germain.
It is their second final in three years after also getting to the 2023 final before losing 1-0 to Manchester City in Istanbul.
The Nerazzurri’s attention will shift to the Italian Serie A before then, with a three-point deficit to league leaders Napoli with just three rounds of fixture remaining.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
