UCL thriller: Inter Milan edge Barcelona to reach seventh final

By Olaolu Joseph

Italian giants Inter Milan sensationally booked their place in the UEFA Champions League final after a dramatic 4-3 victory over Barcelona in the second leg of their semi-final clash on Tuesday night, securing a 7-6 aggregate win.

It was another unforgettable night at the San Siro as both sides lit up the pitch with goals, with the hosts eventually prevailing after extra time.

As in the first leg, the teams ended regulation time level at 3-3, making it 6-6 on aggregate and forcing the encounter into extra time.

Inter looked set for a comfortable win early on, with goals from Lautaro Martínez and Hakan Çalhanoğlu in the 21st and 36th minutes giving them a 2-0 lead at halftime.

However, Barcelona responded strongly after the break. Eric García pulled one back in the 54th minute, before Dani Olmo leveled the tie six minutes later.

The momentum shifted in Barcelona’s favor when Raphinha struck in the 88th minute to make it 3-2 and seemingly seal the win for the visitors.

But Inter refused to be denied—Çalhanoğlu grabbed his second of the night right at the 90th minute to send the tie into extra time.

Substitute Davide Frattesi emerged as the hero for the Nerazzurri, scoring in the 99th minute to seal the 4-3 win and send Inter through to their seventh Champions League final.

They now await the winner between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.