A dramatic extra-time winner from Davide Frattesi sent Inter Milan to the Champions League final after a pulsating 4-3 victory (7-6 on aggregate) over Barcelona at a rain-soaked San Siro on Tuesday night.
The Italian midfielder struck in the 99th minute to decide an instant classic that saw Inter twice surrender leads before Francesco Acerbi’s 92nd-minute equalizer forced extra time. The Nerazzurri had appeared headed for elimination when Raphinha gave Barcelona a 3-2 lead late in regulation, completing their comeback from a two-goal halftime deficit.
Lautaro Martinez’s superb opener and Hakan Calhanoglu’s penalty had put Inter in control before the break, but Barcelona stormed back through Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo – both assisted by teenage sensation Gerard Martin. Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer produced several vital saves, including a spectacular stop to deny Garcia a second that kept Inter in the tie.
The victory books Inter’s place in their second final in three years, where they’ll face either Arsenal or PSG in Munich on May 31. For Barcelona, the defeat ends their quadruple dreams despite a valiant effort that saw 16-year-old Lamine Yamal hit the post in extra time.
San Siro erupted at full-time as Simone Inzaghi’s side preserved their European hopes after domestic disappointments, while Xavi’s young Barcelona side fell just short in their most impressive Champions League campaign since 2019.
