Frattesi Strike Sends Inter Milan to Champions League Final
Doha – Inter Milan secured a dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory over Barcelona at the San Siro, advancing to the Champions League final with a thrilling 7-6 aggregate win. Davide Frattesi's decisive 99th-minute goal sealed the Italian side's place in the May 31 final in Munich.
The match began with Inter taking control through Lautaro Martinez's 21st-minute opener after Denzel Dumfries capitalized on Barcelona's defensive error, allowing Thuram to square for the Argentine to slot home. Hakan Çalhanoğlu doubled the lead from the penalty spot just before halftime after Martinez was fouled in the box by Eric García.
Barcelona fought back impressively in the second half with Eric García scoring a beautiful right-footed volley in the 54th minute from Martin's left-footed cross. Dani Olmo equalized seven minutes later with a header at the back post from Martin's delivery.
Raphinha then gave Barcelona their first lead of the tie in the 87th minute, smashing a right-footed shot into the bottom corner after his initial left-footed attempt was saved by Sommer.
However, Inter's Francesco Acerbi dramatically leveled in the 90+4 minute when Dumfries stripped Cubarsi of possession and crossed for the defender to steer home, sending the San Siro crowd into delirium and forcing extra time.
The decisive moment came in the 99th minute when Thuram held off multiple defenders on the right wing before finding Taremi, who with his back to goal teed up Frattesi to place the ball into the bottom left corner.
Barcelona nearly equalized in the closing minutes as Yamal hit the post with a rocket shot in stoppage time (90+2), and later had another attempt saved by Sommer (115'). Lewandowski, who came on as a substitute, missed a headed chance at the back post under pressure from Bastoni (108').
Inter Milan, three-time Champions League winners who last lifted the trophy in 2010, will face the winner of Wednesday's semifinal between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal in the final at Munich's Allianz Arena.
PSG take a 1-0 advantage into their second leg after Ousmane Dembele's early goal at the Emirates Stadium on April 29.
The match was played in a raucous atmosphere at the San Siro, with relentless rain pouring down during extra time as Simone Inzaghi's squad held firm to reach their first Champions League final since 2010, denying Barcelona a chance at their sixth title. Tags: BarcaInter MilanUEFA champions league
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