Inter Milan is the first finalist after defeating Barça 4-3, a team that gave their all, but individual errors weighed them down, leading to their elimination. Just 2 minutes before the end, the Italians sent the match into extra time, and there, in their only chance, they didn't forgive. The dream of the treble ends here for Flick's boys, a team that can't be reproached for anything; they died being true to their style.
A Blurry First Half
The first 45 minutes couldn't have been worse for Barça, as the blaugranas didn't impose their style; the game was played according to the Italian coach's plan. As a result, Inter's first goal came through Dumfries, who broke into space and passed it to Lautaro to score into an empty net. In a previous play, Pedri claimed a handball by Acerbi, but neither VAR nor Marciniak saw it as punishable.
As the match approached halftime, Cubarsí tried to block a shot from Lautaro, but he touched the Argentine before the ball. The outcome of the play was a penalty, and Calhanoglu didn't miss from the penalty spot. Flick's team went into halftime with a very adverse result, two goals down, forcing them to come back in the second half as they had done before.
A Heroic Comeback
The difference between the two halves was enormous; Pedri took control of the ball, and Barça started to create advantages. Lamine tried again and again, but this time the assist's protagonist was Gerard Martín. The youth player delivered a beautiful ball to the far post, where Eric García appeared to score a stunning goal into the top corner, impossible for Sommer.
The formula was going to repeat; once again, Barça's '32' crossed, and this time it was Dani Olmo who appeared to head in the 2-2. From that moment, it was a culé siege, in which only Sommer could prevent Barcelona from completing the comeback. Then, Raphinha was going to have his moment, and after a first shot saved by the Swiss goalkeeper, he sent the ball into the back of the net on the second attempt.
Everything seemed set for the blaugranas to go to Munich, but Acerbi equalized in a play not without controversy. Gerard recovered the ball, Dumfries hit him on the leg, but the Polish referee didn't consider the contact sufficient, leading to Inter's goal. With the 3-3 draw, the match went into extra time.
A Painful Ending
The players were weakening, and fatigue was taking its toll on almost everyone; both coaches made changes, but at this point, the game was played more with the heart than with the body. When it seemed that Barça could score the fourth, Thuram broke through Araujo, the ball reached Fratessi, and he sent it in. In their only chance, they secured their place in the Champions League final.
Even so, the blaugrana team tried, but they ran into Sommer time and again, who established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Impossible saves, hands that stopped powerful shots, and secure in the air. The culé fan's dream of repeating that desired treble and winning the 'big ears' again ended.
They will try again, that's for sure. This team has shown they have the soul of a champion. On Sunday, they must show it again, a match that could decide the League.
Clásico, in Montjuïc at 4:15 PM.