Inter Milan 4-3 Barcelona (agg. 7-6): Thrilling second-leg sees Nerrazurri book Champions League final spot | OneFootball

Nerrazurri triumphed over two thrilling legs to reach the final

It would require 210 minutes of play and 13 goals over two legs, but Inter Milan eventually bested Barcelona in an unforgettable contest to reach their second Champions League final in three years.

After a first leg that finished three goals each, it appeared impossible for the second leg to be more dramatic, but the San Siro hosted yet another European night for the history books. Raphinha scored a late would-be winner to start the celebrations in Barcelona, but they were cruelly cut short by Francesco Acerbi’s injury-time equaliser, before Davide Frattesi added a winner in the first half of extra time to trigger wild celebrations in the stands.

Seconds before the half-time whistle, Martinez was taken down by Pau Cubarsi to win a penalty, which Hakan Calhanoglu duly dispatched, leading the Tifosi to believe it was all wrapped up. Just like last week, Inter held a two-goal lead.

But no matter how bleak the situation appears, count Barcelona out at your peril.

Two quickfire goals to even the tie shortly after the restart - Eric Garcia struck first with a perfectly timed leaping volley, before very nearly making it two as he was denied at full stretch by Yann Sommer. Dani Olmo, though, converted the equaliser moments later, heading home from close range with half an hour left.

And as Inter grew increasingly sloppy in the late stages, Barcelona were increasingly insistent, asking the hard questions as the hosts dug deeper than ever to produce answers. They remained under siege for the remainder of the second half, and it all seemed to be over when Raphinha scored an apparent winner on the rebound in the 88th minute.

Acerbi’s 93rd-minute equaliser forced extra time

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But this tie had yet more twists in store. The 37-year-old Acerbi smashed home his first Champions League goal to pull Inter back from the brink yet again and force extra time.

And it was the man from Rome, Frattesi, to be Inter’s hero of the night. Marcus Thuram did the hard work, battling to hold off two Barcelona defenders before working a ball into the mixer, and it found Frattesi in enough space to take a touch and shoot, leaving Wojciech Szczesny rooted, as he found the far corner with an effort which will be immortalised in Nerrazurri folklore.

Try as they might, Barcelona could not muster another retort. They mounted a considerable assault on the Inter box, but one of the greatest Champions League ties ever was all out of magic. Even the wonderkid Yamal had nothing left to offer, his closest effort of the night tipped wide by Sommer with 114 minutes played.

Full time brought those left on the pitch elation and anguish in equal measure, but Inter ultimately took the spoils and will be the side booking tickets to Munich. They return to the Champions League final, and an opportunity presents itself to put to bed the demons of 2023.