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Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
How Inter stunned Barcelona: from VAR controversy to dramatic late goal
Inter Milan's Davide Frattesi celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal (AP) Inter Milan are through to a second Champions League final in three years after defeating Barcelona in an epic semi-final. Inter, who lost to Manchester City in the 2022 final, will aim to win their fourth European Cup against either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in Munich on May 31 after winning an astonishing tie 7-6 on aggregate. After a 3-3 draw last week, Barcelona were moments away from a first Champions League final in 10 years when Raphinha fired the visitors into the lead for the first time in the semi-final. But Francesco Acerbi rescued Inter deep in stoppage time and Davide Frattesi put the hosts 4-3 ahead in extra time to settle a breathless contest that will be remembered for years to come. The tie equalled the record number of goals in a Champions League semi-final. Here's how it unfolded, turn by turn. Inter's daring press stuns Barcelona 22 mins: Inter 1-0 Barcelona (4-3) Before the second leg, a lot of the tactical discussion naturally centered around Barcelona's high line and whether Hansi Flick's side could sustain such a bold approach to reach the Champions League final. But at the San Siro, Inter were just as daring in their high defensive press, which in turn was their best form of attack as Inter dominated the first half. It would have been understandable for Federico DiMarco to concentrate on his defensive duties in his rematch with Lamine Yamal, but the Inter wing-back took up advanced positions throughout the opening quarter and helped squeeze Barcelona. The Italian timed his press of Dani Olmo to perfection to help set up Inter's opening goal, stealing in from behind as Barcelona looked to play through. When DiMarco regained possession, the advanced position of the other wing-back, the relentless Denzel Dumfries, allowed Inter to capitalise and he selflessly squared for the returning Lautaro Martinez to finish into an empty net. Martinez recovered from a hamstring injury to open the scoring (REUTERS) VAR intervention correct as Cubarsi pays price 44 mins: Inter 2-0 Barcelona (5-3) At the first look, Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsi looked to have won his challenge on Lautaro Martinez as went to ground in the box. But, in the age of VAR, the 18-year-old needed to timed his challenge to perfection to survive the initial review. and the subsequent replays revealed that the Inter captain got there first and Cubarsi made contact with Martinez's foot and not the ball. It shows how fine the margins are that Barcelona thought Cubarsi had won the ball - indeed, on Prime Video, Alan Shearer and former Champions League final referee Mark Clattenburg believed the challenge was fair - but it also highlighted the inexperience of the young Spain defender, particularly with Barcelona trailing by one so close before half time. Pau Cubarsi fouled Martinez in the box (REUTERS) Barcelona's back-up full-backs lead the comeback 59 mins: Inter 2-2 Barcelona (5-5) Of all the players to give Barcelona hope in the semi-final, no one in the San Siro had their money on the two full-backs, who wouldn't even be in their strongest line-ups had everyone been available. But another extraordinary comeback from Barcelona was led by Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin, the right back and left back who were standing in for Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde. Martin looked out of depth at times in last week's first leg but produced a couple of wonderful crosses with his left foot as Barcelona scored twice in six minutes to stun Inter. His first was met by an even better connection from Garcia, who steered his volley into the top corner. Then, moments after Garcia shot straight at Yann Sommer from point-blank range, Martin guided another pinpoint cross into the box for Dani Olmo to head in at the back post. The timing of Olmo's header was key as Garcia's miss seconds before could have stalled Barcelona's momentum. Eric Garcia celebrates after giving Barcelona hope (REUTERS) Inter changes key as Barcelona take control 87 mins: Inter 2-3 Barcelona (5-6) Once Barcelona were level, the flow of the second half was much more like last week's first leg, with Hansi Flick's side controlling possession and Inter struggling to play out against their suffocating press. A couple of changes from Inter did not help as they started to lose their grip. Federico DiMarco, who had been winning his duel with Lamine Yamal, was replaced by Carlos Augusto on 55 minutes. Captain Lautaro Martinez was then taken off, having lasted 71 minutes after injuring his hamstring in last week's draw. In fact, Inter manager Simone Inzaghi used all five substitutes by the 80th minute, as midfielders Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan and centre-back Yann Aurel Bisseck made way. Inter lacked energy and Simeone's changes - with Mehdi Taremi, Matteo Darmian, Piotr Zielinski and Davide Frattesi also introduced - did not stall Barcelona's growing belief. So, when Raphinha fired his rebound in off the far post in the 87th minute, it was a goal that had been coming for a long while, even if it gave Barcelona the lead for the first time in the tie. Raphinha celebrates his 87th minute strike to fire Barcelona in front (REUTERS) Extraordinary and inexplicable late drama 90+3 mins: Inter 3-3 Barcelona (6-6) But it was not done yet. Just as Lamine Yamal looked to add the crowning moment to Barcelona's comeback, the semi-final took another twist. Yamal hit the bottom of the near post with a low strike from the edge of the box, that would have settled it. Instead, Inter went down the other end. Denzel Dumfries was involved again and he squared for Inter's 37-year-old veteran Francesco Acerbi to score just his fifth goal for the club, with an audacious outside-of-the-foot finish high into the roof of the net from the near post. Acerbi had been thrown forward as a makeshift striker. Wow, did he deliver. There was still time for Yamal to have a chance to send Barcelona to the final, but he shot straight at Sommer in a chance that he couldn't quite get out from under his feet. Acerbi rescued Inter with his first Champions League goal (REUTERS) Inter strengthened by fresh legs and Marcus Thuram 99 mins: Inter 4-3 Barcelona (7-6) So to extra time, where Inter were buoyed by Acerbi's dramatic equaliser and the hosts felt the benefit of Inzaghi's early changes. That was evident with the composure displayed by Davide Frattesi, who guided a deft finish into the far corner to once again give Inter the lead, having been set up by another calm lay-off from Mehdi Taremi, another substitute. The key role in Inter's fourth of the night, though, came from Marcus Thuram, who stepped up after the loss of captain Martinez. Thuram had the beating of Barcelona's much-changed back-line, as he held off Hector Fort and then Ronald Araujo, to get to the byline and square the ball to Taremi. It was another moment of class from the remaining part of Inter's lethal front two. (REUTERS) Lamine Yamal denied stunning moment by Yann Sommer 115 mins: Inter 4-3 Barcelona (7-6) It just wasn't Lamine Yamal's night. There should be plenty more, but the 17-year-old still came close to another astonishing moment of magic as he looked to rescue Barcelona in extra time. Just as he did on countless occasions throughout the tie, the teeanger looked to drag Barcelona back into it, and it took an unbelievable diving stop from Yann Sommer to deny him a last-gasp equaliser. Sommer, who would finish the tie having made 14 saves across both legs, produced a fingertip save at full stretch to push Yamal's curling effort wide of the post. Sommer conceded six goals across the tie and yet showed why he is among the best in the world with that vital save, which secured Inter their place in the final. 'It's difficult to read him and I'm really happy I was quick enough,' player of the match Sommer said. 'For sure, one of the most important saves of my career. It gave us energy and we believed we could do it.'
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
How Inter stunned Barcelona: from VAR controversy to dramatic late goal
Inter Milan are through to a second Champions League final in three years after defeating Barcelona in an epic semi-final. Inter, who lost to Manchester City in the 2022 final, will aim to win their fourth European Cup against either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in Munich on May 31 after winning an astonishing tie 7-6 on aggregate. Advertisement After a 3-3 draw last week, Barcelona were moments away from a first Champions League final in 10 years when Raphinha fired the visitors into the lead for the first time in the semi-final. But Francesco Acerbi rescued Inter deep in stoppage time and Davide Frattesi put the hosts 4-3 ahead in extra time to settle a breathless contest that will be remembered for years to come. The tie equalled the record number of goals in a Champions League semi-final. Here's how it unfolded, turn by turn. Inter's daring press stuns Barcelona 22 mins: Inter 1-0 Barcelona (4-3) Before the second leg, a lot of the tactical discussion naturally centered around Barcelona's high line and whether Hansi Flick's side could sustain such a bold approach to reach the Champions League final. Advertisement But at the San Siro, Inter were just as daring in their high defensive press, which in turn was their best form of attack as Inter dominated the first half. It would have been understandable for Federico DiMarco to concentrate on his defensive duties in his rematch with Lamine Yamal, but the Inter wing-back took up advanced positions throughout the opening quarter and helped squeeze Barcelona. The Italian timed his press of Dani Olmo to perfection to help set up Inter's opening goal, stealing in from behind as Barcelona looked to play through. When DiMarco regained possession, the advanced position of the other wing-back, the relentless Denzel Dumfries, allowed Inter to capitalise and he selflessly squared for the returning Lautaro Martinez to finish into an empty net. Martinez recovered from a hamstring injury to open the scoring (REUTERS) VAR intervention correct as Cubarsi pays price 44 mins: Inter 2-0 Barcelona (5-3) At the first look, Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsi looked to have won his challenge on Lautaro Martinez as went to ground in the box. But, in the age of VAR, the 18-year-old needed to timed his challenge to perfection to survive the initial review. and the subsequent replays revealed that the Inter captain got there first and Cubarsi made contact with Martinez's foot and not the ball. Advertisement It shows how fine the margins are that Barcelona thought Cubarsi had won the ball - indeed, on Prime Video, Alan Shearer and former Champions League final referee Mark Clattenburg believed the challenge was fair - but it also highlighted the inexperience of the young Spain defender, particularly with Barcelona trailing by one so close before half time. Pau Cubarsi fouled Martinez in the box (REUTERS) Barcelona's back-up full-backs lead the comeback 59 mins: Inter 2-2 Barcelona (5-5) Of all the players to give Barcelona hope in the semi-final, no one in the San Siro had their money on the two full-backs, who wouldn't even be in their strongest line-ups had everyone been available. But another extraordinary comeback from Barcelona was led by Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin, the right back and left back who were standing in for Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde. Advertisement Martin looked out of depth at times in last week's first leg but produced a couple of wonderful crosses with his left foot as Barcelona scored twice in six minutes to stun Inter. His first was met by an even better connection from Garcia, who steered his volley into the top corner. Then, moments after Garcia shot straight at Yann Sommer from point-blank range, Martin guided another pinpoint cross into the box for Dani Olmo to head in at the back post. The timing of Olmo's header was key as Garcia's miss seconds before could have stalled Barcelona's momentum. Eric Garcia celebrates after giving Barcelona hope (REUTERS) Inter changes key as Barcelona take control 87 mins: Inter 2-3 Barcelona (5-6) Once Barcelona were level, the flow of the second half was much more like last week's first leg, with Hansi Flick's side controlling possession and Inter struggling to play out against their suffocating press. Advertisement A couple of changes from Inter did not help as they started to lose their grip. Federico DiMarco, who had been winning his duel with Lamine Yamal, was replaced by Carlos Augusto on 55 minutes. Captain Lautaro Martinez was then taken off, having lasted 71 minutes after injuring his hamstring in last week's draw. In fact, Inter manager Simone Inzaghi used all five substitutes by the 80th minute, as midfielders Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan and centre-back Yann Aurel Bisseck made way. Inter lacked energy and Simeone's changes - with Mehdi Taremi, Matteo Darmian, Piotr Zielinski and Davide Frattesi also introduced - did not stall Barcelona's growing belief. So, when Raphinha fired his rebound in off the far post in the 87th minute, it was a goal that had been coming for a long while, even if it gave Barcelona the lead for the first time in the tie. Raphinha celebrates his 87th minute strike to fire Barcelona in front (REUTERS) Extraordinary and inexplicable late drama 90+3 mins: Inter 3-3 Barcelona (6-6) But it was not done yet. Just as Lamine Yamal looked to add the crowning moment to Barcelona's comeback, the semi-final took another twist. Yamal hit the bottom of the near post with a low strike from the edge of the box, that would have settled it. Advertisement Instead, Inter went down the other end. Denzel Dumfries was involved again and he squared for Inter's 37-year-old veteran Francesco Acerbi to score just his fifth goal for the club, with an audacious outside-of-the-foot finish high into the roof of the net from the near post. Acerbi had been thrown forward as a makeshift striker. Wow, did he deliver. There was still time for Yamal to have a chance to send Barcelona to the final, but he shot straight at Sommer in a chance that he couldn't quite get out from under his feet. Acerbi rescued Inter with his first Champions League goal (REUTERS) Inter strengthened by fresh legs and Marcus Thuram 99 mins: Inter 4-3 Barcelona (7-6) So to extra time, where Inter were buoyed by Acerbi's dramatic equaliser and the hosts felt the benefit of Inzaghi's early changes. That was evident with the composure displayed by Davide Frattesi, who guided a deft finish into the far corner to once again give Inter the lead, having been set up by another calm lay-off from Mehdi Taremi, another substitute. Advertisement The key role in Inter's fourth of the night, though, came from Marcus Thuram, who stepped up after the loss of captain Martinez. Thuram had the beating of Barcelona's much-changed back-line, as he held off Hector Fort and then Ronald Araujo, to get to the byline and square the ball to Taremi. It was another moment of class from the remaining part of Inter's lethal front two. (REUTERS) Lamine Yamal denied stunning moment by Yann Sommer 115 mins: Inter 4-3 Barcelona (7-6) It just wasn't Lamine Yamal's night. There should be plenty more, but the 17-year-old still came close to another astonishing moment of magic as he looked to rescue Barcelona in extra time. Advertisement Just as he did on countless occasions throughout the tie, the teeanger looked to drag Barcelona back into it, and it took an unbelievable diving stop from Yann Sommer to deny him a last-gasp equaliser. Sommer, who would finish the tie having made 14 saves across both legs, produced a fingertip save at full stretch to push Yamal's curling effort wide of the post. Sommer conceded six goals across the tie and yet showed why he is among the best in the world with that vital save, which secured Inter their place in the final. 'It's difficult to read him and I'm really happy I was quick enough,' player of the match Sommer said. 'For sure, one of the most important saves of my career. It gave us energy and we believed we could do it.'
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Legendary Ex Arsenal Manager Slams Use Of VAR Penalty In Inter Milan 4-3 Barcelona Champions League Classic: 'Against Using Slow Motion In VAR'
Legendary Ex Arsenal Manager Slams Use Of VAR Penalty In Inter Milan 4-3 Barcelona Champions League Classic: 'Against Using Slow Motion In VAR' Arsene Wenger blasted the use of VAR after last night's Champions League showdown between Inter Milan and Barcelona. During an interview with Spanish outlet Marca via FCInterNews, the iconic Arsenal manager spoke his mind about VAR. Advertisement Currently operating as FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, Wenger was harsh in his assessment of technology. Last night's game at San Siro brimmed with goals, drama, and controversial moments. Indeed, Polish referee Szymon Marciniak had his hands full. To begin with, he refused not to hand Inter a penalty toward the end of the first half. Pau Cubarsi tackled Lautaro Martinez to the ground inside the box. However, Marciniak waved play on before receiving a call from the VAR booth to review the incident on the side-pitch monitor. Interestingly, it took him only a glance to change his mind and point to the spot. Advertisement Hakan Calhanoglu found the net to put Inter 2-0 up at halftime. Yet, Barcelona turned the match on its head and made it 3-2, only for Inter to win in the most incredible circumstances. Arsene Wenger Slams VAR After Inter Milan vs Barcelona Penalty Controversy PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 10: Arsène Wenger attends the Women's Gold Medal match between Brazil and United States of America during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Parc des Princes on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal) Marciniak's decision to penalize Cubarsi's challenge on Lautaro didn't sit well with Wenger. Indeed, the legendary Frenchman offered his view on the current use of technology in football. 'I'm totally against this kind of penalty. And I'm totally against using VAR in slow motion. 'At normal speed, Cubarsi's challenge was a fantastic intervention. Advertisement 'Look at what Lautaro Martínez does. He knows he won't score and plays for contact with Cubarsí. He is looking for the penalty. 'In my opinion, the referee didn't make the right call. 'What matters to me is who gets to the ball first, and it's Cubarsi. Lautaro does the rest.' Nonetheless, Inter are through to the final for the second time in three years and will challenge for the title in late May.
Forbes
12-04-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
FC Barcelona Vs. Leganes Line Up: Flick Makes A Big Decision
FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick will indeed make some rotations when his side travels to Leganes in La Liga on Saturday night. Whether the manager should do so this weekend, or in Dortmund on Tuesday, has been a matter of debate among fans and pundits. Barca nurses just a four-point advantage at the summit of the Spanish top flight, which makes this fixture in Butarque a must-win. If it comes out second best, Barca could then see Real Madrid beat Alaves on Sunday and cut the lead to just a single point with a Montjuic installment of El Clasico on the horizon on either May 10 or 11. Barca's 4-0 first leg thrashing of last year's Champions League runners-up which lost to Madrid at Wembley means that it has some breathing room in a quarterfinal decider on German soil in a few days. Flick insists that Barca is far from home and dry at Dortmund's expense, though, and he wouldn't fall into the trap of saying which of the next two outings is the most important at a prematch press conference on Friday afternoon. 'Before each game we consider the next one to be the most important. Tomorrow we play away from home against an opponent who defends very well and it is important that we always maintain the same mentality as if it were a Champions League match. It's important to stay mentally strong," he said. As for whether he will make rotations in Leganes, Flick stated: 'As a coach I don't confirm anything. We have to take into account that we have to make changes because there are many games. It's important to give players some rest from time to time.' Even so, he will do that. While Wojciech Szczesny starts in goal, Ronald Araujo and Gerard Martin come in for Inigo Martinez and Alejandro Balde respectively on the back line. Cubarsi keeps his place to partner the Uruguayan in central defense, while Jules Kounde remains the right back. Flick doesn't see it necessary to rest either Pedri or Frenkie de Jong in the double pivot, but Ferran replaces Raphinha on the left wing while Gavi takes Fermin Lopez's CAM berth. Lamine Yamal could arguably do with a rest more than most, but he continues on the right wing as does Robert Lewandowski as a lone striker. FC Barcelona Starting XI Vs. Leganes: Szczesny; Martin, Cubarsi, Araujo, Kounde; Pedri, De Jong; Ferran, Gavi, Lamine; Lewandowski
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Barcelona offered mixed Pau Cubarsi update ahead of Osasuna battle
Barcelona will leave a final fitness decision on Pau Cubarsi until just before their La Liga clash with Osasuna on March 27. La Blaugrana return to action in their rearranged game on home soil following a controversial call by La Liga. Both Barcelona and Osasuna initially objected to the match being played on the 27th as it fell outside FIFA's rule on players needing 72 hours rest in between fixtures. Barcelona will have several players travelling back from international duty and Hansi Flick is expected to field a rotated team due to the tight schedule. Flick was hoping for an international window without injuries but defensive duo Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez both left Spain's camp early due to issues. Neither player is expected to be sidelined for long, but the concern is greater over teenager Cubarsi, who was forced off in the 2-2 UEFA Nations League draw in Rotterdam. Barcelona fans are waiting anxiously for updates on the 18-year-old's progress, and the latest prognosis is positive, but with caution. Reports from Marca highlight that Cubarsi has suffered a 'strain in the anterior tibiofibular ligament of his right ankle' and will continue with treatment in the coming days. Cubarsi will be assessed again in the next 48 hours, which will provide a clearer picture of his readiness to face Osasuna, or if Flick will need to look elsewhere. However, there will be a concerted effort to get him fit for the game, with Martinez expected to miss out and Andreas Christensen already injured. Ronald Araujo is not expected back in time from his trip with Uruguay, so Eric Garcia should step in, to cover at least one of the spots at centre back. Gerard Martin is also an option, if Cubarsi is not ready, ahead of a quick turnaround to face a home derby against Girona on March 30
