Davide Frattesi’s goal in extra time secured a memorable Champions League semi-final, as Inter Milan triumphed over Barcelona 7-6 on aggregate, following a thrilling 4-3 win in the second leg at the San Siro.
The midfielder scored in the first half of the added 30 minutes and celebrated exuberantly on the metal barriers with ecstatic home fans, marking an unforgettable European encounter that will be remembered in history.
This match matched the record for the highest-scoring semi-final, equalling the 7-6 spectacle between Liverpool and Roma in 2018, and continued to entertain after last week’s 3-3 draw at the Estadio Olimpico de Montjuic.
The second leg followed a similar thrilling pattern. Inter established a 2-0 lead in a powerful first half, thanks to Lautaro Martinez, who had recently recovered from injury and capped off a splendid team move.
However, controversy ensued when referee Szymon Marciniak initially dismissed a penalty appeal for Inter, believing Pau Cubarsi had touched the ball first. A subsequent VAR review reversed the decision, awarding a penalty after a consultation with the pitchside monitor.
Hakan Calhanoglu coolly converted the penalty, seemingly putting the hosts in a dominant position. Meanwhile, after a scuffle involving Inigo Martinez spitting at Francesco Acerbi, play continued without incident.
Barcelona emerged revitalized after halftime, leveling the score within six minutes. Eric Garcia’s volley followed by Dani Olmo’s powerful header brought the score to 2-2. Despite Raphinha later putting Barcelona ahead, Acerbi equalized in stoppage time, pushing the match into extra time and ultimately leading to Frattesi’s decisive goal.
