DRAMA, GOALS, AND SUSPENSE FROM THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMIFINAL SECOND LEG
The last four in the UEFA Champions League is packed with goals, Inter Milan stopping high-flying Barcelona and PSG’s lightning attack ending Arsenal’s dream of a UCL.
Another seven-goal thriller to add to the six we witnessed a week ago as Inter Milan knocks out high-flying Barcelona and Arsenal ends the season trophyless with PSG lightning-quick forwards putting the English side away. As they march to Munich.
1. Mama Mia: Frattesi’s winner sends Inter Milan into the Champions League Final
The San Siro was alive with an electric atmosphere, a cauldron of noise that witnessed a Champions League semi-final for the ages.
In a breathless, topsy-turvy encounter that will be etched in the memory of every spectator for a long time as one of the best ever UCL night especially in the semifinal, Davide Frattesi emerged as the late hero, his extra-time curling strike sealing a dramatic 4–3 second-leg victory for Inter Milan over high flying Barcelona, sending the Nerazzurri to the UCL final with a pulsating 7–6 aggregate triumph.
Just as they had in the Nou Camp, Inter drew first blood, a slick move carving open the Barcelona defense. A midfield turnover saw Denzel Dumfries gallop down the right flank, his pinpoint square ball finding the predatory instincts of the returning Lautaro Martinez, who fired home first-time in the 21st minute, sending the Inter faithful into raptures.
A disjointed Barcelona struggled to muster a meaningful response in the opening half, their usually fluid attack stifled by a disciplined Inter midfield. Meanwhile, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Hakan Calhanoglu both flashed tantalizing first-time efforts wide of the post showing the danger Inter possessed.
The second goal of the first half came courtesy of a moment of controversy. Lautaro Martinez, a constant menace, tangled with Pau Cubarsi inside the box. What initially appeared a clean tackle was subjected to the scrutiny of VAR, and the replays showed the Inter captain getting to the ball first. The referee pointed to the spot, and the ice-cool Calhanoglu stepped up, dispatching his penalty with unwavering confidence into the bottom-left corner, leaving Wojciech Szczesny rooted to the spot.
Inter emerged after the break looking to deliver the knockout blow. Francesco Acerbi thought he had extended their lead, stooping to head home a Calhanoglu free kick, only for the linesman’s flag to cut short the celebrations for offside.
But the drama was far from over as two minutes later, Barcelona clawed their way back into the contest. Gerard Martin’s initial cross blocked, but the winger found Eric Garcia lurking on the edge of the box before the defender unleashed a thunderous first-time strike that whistled past Yann Sommer and nestled into the top-left corner.
The impressive Martin once again found space on the left, his deep, curling cross finding the unmarked head of Dani Olmo, who powered his header past a helpless Sommer.
The tension was palpable as both sides made attempts at scoring the winner. Sommer pulled off a stunning save to keep out a curling effort from Lamine Yamal and then parried a Raphinha strike. The Brazilian, however, was quickest to react, slamming the rebound into the bottom-right corner with just three minutes putting Barcelona ahead in the tie for the first time, but the twist had just begun.
Just when it seemed Inter’s European dream was fading, they conjured a moment of brilliance as they launched a lightning-fast counterattack, and Dumfries’ low cross was met by the unlikely figure of Acerbi, who atoned for his earlier disallowed goal by smashing the ball into the roof of the net in the 93rd minute, sending the tie into extra time.
Having looked down and out, Inter emerged for the additional 30 minutes with renewed vigour. In the 99th minute, Frattesi, found a pocket of space on the edge of the box before curling the ball past a static Szczesny, sending the San Siro into absolute delirium.
Barcelona, spearheaded by the dazzling Yamal, threw everything at Inter in search of another equalizer. The young winger twice threatened to catch Sommer out, but the veteran goalkeeper stood firm, his crucial saves ensuring Inter held onto their slender lead.
As the final whistle blew, the San Siro erupted. Inter Milan, after a breathtaking and emotionally draining encounter, had booked their place in the Champions League final. The resilience, the drama, and the late heroics of Frattesi will live long in the memory of every Inter and football fan, a testament to their fighting spirit, unwavering belief, and the genius of Simone Inzaghi.
Barcelona were left heartbroken as their European journey ended in a defeat, a seven-goal thriller that will be talked about for years to come. The stage is set, and Inter Milan now awaits their opponents in Munich.
2. Lightning French strikes Arsenal at the Parc de Prince
Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi found the net as Paris Saint-Germain knocked out Arsenal 2–1, securing a place in the Champions League final with a 3–1 aggregate triumph.
Spain international Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring in the first half, while Hakimi’s composed finish effectively sealed the tie and sent PSG to the final in Munich
Despite Vitinha missing a controversial penalty, PSG held firm late on, even after Bukayo Saka pulled one back and spurned a golden opportunity to equalize moments later.
In the end, Luis Enrique’s side celebrated, wildly with a final clash with Inter in Munich on May 31.
Gianluigi Donnarumma played a key role producing several stunning saves to keep Arsenal at bay denying Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard’s fierce drive wide.
Fabian Ruiz eventually broke the deadlock after intercepting a poor clearance from Thomas Partey, weaving past Martinelli and seeing his deflected shot off William Saliba find the net.
Donnarumma continued to frustrate Arsenal, tipping Saka’s corner over and then parrying his curling shot from the right side of the box.
PSG had a chance to double their lead from the spot after a harsh handball call against Myles Lewis-Skelly, but Vitinha’s tame penalty was saved by David Raya.
However, Hakimi soon punished Arsenal’s defensive errors with a precise low strike into the bottom corner.
Saka scored from Leandro Trossard’s cross and missed a golden chance minutes later, firing over from close range as Arsenal’s comeback hopes faded.
The English team will now end the season trophyless once again and questions need to be asked of the team and the manager in consistent underwhelming seasons.
