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UCL Semifinals: Inter Milan beat Barcelona to make it to finals in absolute thriller

Inter Milan produced a dramatic late turnaround to beat Barcelona 7-6 on aggregate in a thrilling, all-time classic of a Champions League semi-final.

With just two minutes of added time left, Inter trailed 3-2 on the night and were heading out when 37-year-old centre-back Francesco Acerbi smashed a cross into the roof of the net to level the tie.

And substitute Davide Frattesi won it for the Italian champions, curling a beautiful left-footed shot into the bottom corner in the first period of extra time.

It means a second Champions League final in three seasons for three-time European champions Inter after 180 minutes of incredible drama over two legs which saw 13 goals and a tie turned on its head on several occasions.

Davide Frattesi scores goal against Barcelona Photo Courtesy: Getty Images
Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi Photo Courtesy: Reuters

Barca were only two minutes away from their first final in 10 years having fought back from 2-0 down – in a similar scenario to the first leg – to lead 3-2 on the night.

Lamine Yamal almost took the game to penalties but was twice denied by superb saves by Yann Sommer as Inter held on to reach the final and spark incredible scenes of celebration.

Action from Inter Milan-Barcelona Photo Courtesy: Reuters
Lautaro Martinez in action against Barcelona Photo Courtesy: Reuters

Inter, who lost 1-0 to Manchester City in the 2023 final, will play either Paris St-Germain or Arsenal at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena on Saturday, 31 May in the 2025 showpiece.

Yann Sommer makes stop against Barcelona Photo Courtesy: Getty Images

The Gunners head into Wednesday’s second leg in France after losing 1-0 at Emirates Stadium last week.

Inter Milan fans celebrate win over Barcelona Photo Courtesy: Reuters

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