Jobaaj Stories
Inter Milan Stuns Barcelona in Champions League Thriller
The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg between Inter Milan and Barcelona delivered a spectacle for the ages, culminating in a dramatic 7-6 aggregate victory for the Nerazzurri. Lamine Yamal's emotional vow to Barcelona fans after their heartbreaking exit underscored the intensity of this unforgettable tie.
A Nail-Biting Encounter
The match at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium was a rollercoaster. After a 3-3 first leg, the second leg mirrored the excitement, ending 3-3 after 90 minutes. Lautaro MartĂnez, who scored his ninth Champions League goal of the season – a feat unmatched by an Inter player since Hernán Crespo – put Inter ahead early. Barcelona fought back, with goals from Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo equalizing, before Raphinha seemingly secured victory for the Catalans with two minutes to go. However, Francesco Acerbi's stunning stoppage-time equalizer sent the game into extra time, where Davide Frattesi's breathtaking strike sealed Inter's passage to the final.
Controversy and Refereeing
The match wasn't without controversy. Barcelona players, including Pedri and Eric Garcia, voiced their frustrations with referee Szymon Marciniak's decisions, particularly concerning a potential penalty for a foul on Lamine Yamal that was ruled outside the box and Inter's late equalizer. Manager Hansi Flick also expressed his disappointment, though acknowledging his team's valiant effort. While post-match criticism of referees is common, the vague accusations of bias against Marciniak raise concerns, highlighting the thin line between expressing dissatisfaction and implying impropriety.
Record-Breaking Goals
The 13 goals across both legs tied a Champions League record for most goals scored in a two-legged knockout tie, alongside Liverpool vs Roma (2017/18) and Bayern Munich vs Sporting CP (2008/09). This historic match will be remembered as one of the greatest Champions League semi-finals of all time.
Inter's Road to the Final
Inter Milan's victory marks their second Champions League final appearance in three years. Frattesi, the unlikely hero, has etched his name into Champions League history, emerging as a fan favorite following his match-winning performance. His post-match comments revealed raw emotion and unwavering belief in his team's ability to overcome adversity. Inter will now face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the final.
Conclusion: An Instant Classic
The Inter vs Barcelona tie was a captivating display of attacking football, leaving fans breathless until the final whistle. While Barcelona's disappointment is understandable, Inter Milan's victory, achieved through sheer grit and determination, is a testament to their enduring spirit. The match will forever be remembered as an all-time classic.
