Frattesi’s Extra-Time strike sends Inter past Barcelona in Champions League classic

David Frattesi fired Inter Milan into the UEFA Champions League final with a dramatic 99th-minute winner as the Italian giants edged Barcelona 4-3 in an unforgettable semi-final clash at the San Siro on Tuesday.

The result secured a 7-6 aggregate victory for Inter, booking their place in the final in Munich.

Inter appeared destined for heartbreak when Raphinha’s late strike looked to have sealed the tie for Barcelona after a thrilling second-half comeback, but Francesco Acerbi levelled in stoppage time to force extra time.

Earlier, Barcelona had wiped out a two-goal half-time deficit through goals from Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo, and Raphinha, turning the contest on its head before Inter clawed their way back.

Frattesi, who was the hero of the night, described the experience as surreal. “What happened? I don’t know! I celebrated so loudly that my head was spinning,” he told reporters. He also reflected on his consistent belief and never-say-die attitude, saying, “After it went 3-3, I told Marcus [Thuram] we would go through.”

Defender Denzel Dumfries summed up the wild encounter when speaking to Amazon Prime, calling it “a crazy match again” and praising the team’s relentless spirit. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer, named Player of the Match, played a crucial role with several vital saves, particularly against youngster Lamine Yamal in the closing moments. Speaking to Sky Italia, Sommer said: “Many teams would have given up after going down 3-2 but we didn’t.”

Football greats also weighed in on the electrifying contest. Clarence Seedorf noted Inter’s resilience, while Wayne Rooney applauded their late surge and Sommer’s outstanding performance.

Inter Milan will now face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the final on May 31 at the Allianz Arena in Munich, as they chase European glory.