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Victor Petkov
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Inter edge Barcelona 4–3 in epic Extra-Time thriller to reach Champions League final
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Both teams scored 13 goals in two legendary 1/2-finals, but Inter is the one to fight for the trophy in Munich

Inter and Barcelona delivered one of the most dramatic Champions League semi-final encounters in recent memory, with the Italians ultimately emerging victorious 4–3 after extra time at the iconic Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. The thrilling second-leg result sees Inter advance to the final on aggregate, where they will face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain.

The action started with early intent from both sides. Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal tested Inter goalkeeper Jan Sommer in the 15th minute, but the Swiss shot-stopper dealt with the effort comfortably.

Inter responded with greater precision. In the 21st minute, after a midfield tussle, Denzel Dumfries broke down the right and delivered a perfect ball across the box to Lautaro Martínez, who tapped it into the empty net to open the scoring.

Barcelona struggled to create clear-cut chances in response, and Inter soon doubled their lead. Just before the break, referee Szymon Marciniak consulted VAR for a potential foul by Pau Cubarsí on Martínez inside the box. After review, a penalty was awarded and Hakan Çalhanoğlu calmly converted to make it 2–0 at halftime.

The second half saw a much more aggressive Barcelona. Within nine minutes of the restart, Eric García unleashed a powerful volley to bring the visitors back into the game.

The comeback continued in the 60th minute, when Dani Olmo headed in a precise cross from Gerard Martin, leveling the tie.

The Catalans looked to have completed an incredible turnaround in the dying minutes. After Rafinha had a shot saved in the 88th minute, he reacted quickly to convert the rebound in stoppage time, making it 3–2 and seemingly sending Barcelona to the final.

But Inter had one final twist in store. As the clock ticked down, Dumfries once again delivered a dangerous cross, and Francesco Acerbi rose above the defense to head home an improbable equalizer in the final seconds, forcing extra time with the score tied at 3–3.

The decisive moment came in the 99th minute. Marcus Thuram surged down the flank and squared the ball to Mehdi Taremi, who cleverly laid it off for Davide Frattesi. The midfielder struck with his left foot and beat Wojciech Szczęsny to seal an unforgettable 4–3 win for Inter.

The Nerazzurri now march on to the Champions League final, carrying with them momentum, resilience, and belief after a night of high drama in Milan.