The Inter-Barcelona match was a nail-biter that kept fans on the edge of their seats for 120 minutes. The nerazzurri ultimately emerged victorious, winning 4-3 and securing their spot in the UEFA Champions League final.
A game of two halves
The first half was a masterclass in defensive solidity from Inter. The Italian side stifled Barcelona’s attack, with Acerbi, Bastoni, and Bisseck making crucial interventions to deny Yamal and Ferrán Torres. Inter’s organization was almost flawless, and they capitalized on their defensive strength to take a 2-0 lead at halftime. Lautaro Martínez scored the opener, and Çalhanoglu converted a penalty to double the advantage.
The second half was a different story altogether. Barcelona came out strong, dominating possession and creating scoring opportunities. They were rewarded with three goals – Eric García’s acrobatic finish, Dani Olmo’s header, and Raphinha’s clinical strike – to take a 3-2 lead. However, Inter’s resilience paid off when Acerbi scored in the 93rd minute to level the score at 3-3 and send the game into extra time.
Yamal’s impact and Sommer’s heroics
Lamine Yamal was a constant threat for Inter throughout the match. He forced goalkeeper Yann Sommer into several impressive saves, including a crucial stop in extra time. Despite Yamal’s best efforts, Sommer was up to the task, making several key interventions to keep his team in the game.
Inter’s winning formula
In the end, it was Inter’s superior fitness and bench strength that proved decisive. The Italian side made the most of their substitutes, with Frattesi scoring the winning goal in extra time. Inter’s victory was a testament to their team’s depth and determination.
Key stats from the match include:
- Barcelona dominated possession in the second half, with 72% of the ball.
- Yamal made 10 shots for Barcelona, forcing Sommer into three saves.
- Inter’s bench played a crucial role, with Frattesi scoring the winning goal.
The Inter players celebrated a hard-fought win, with the team’s performance earning praise from fans and pundits alike.