After reaching a second UEFA Champions League final in three seasons with Internazionale of Milan, Simone Inzaghi hailed his players after they prevailed 7-6 against Barcelona in one of the greatest knockout ties in the competition’s history. Inter looked gone towards the end of normal time, but Francesco Acerbi’s stoppage-time leveller and Davide Frattesi’s 99th minute strike inspired a famous victory.
“Bayern Munich and Barcelona were the two best teams in Europe,” said Inzaghi, whose team saw off the Bavarians in the last eight. “We need to be proud of what we have done. This was an extremely difficult match against an opponent that had an incredibly high level.”
The identity of the match-winner was even more remarkable. “Frattesi wasn’t even part of training yesterday, but he did his best with painkillers to be ready,” revealed Inzaghi, who will now train his attention on Wednesday night’s second leg between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.
“They are two great teams with two great coaches, with players that we know,” he said. “The Champions League final is going to be a great final, whether Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain.”
When Lautaro Martínez limped off in the first leg, he wasn’t expected to play this week. But he was on the pitch for 70 minutes, scoring the first goal and winning the penalty for the second. “I’m so happy, so proud, so grateful to fans and family,” the Argentine strike told Prime Video afterwards. “There is just one more step to go. We will do all we can to get Inter to the summit of European football.”
You might also like ‘The 50-50 were always for Inter’ – Hansi Flick and Pedri slam referee Szymon Marciniak after Barcelona’s Champions League exit
For all that they scored four goals, it was the sensational goalkeeping of Yann Sommer, the player of the match at the San Siro, that kept Inter in the tie. A couple of the saves off Lamine Yamal were scarcely believable, especially a fingertip stop late in extra time.
“I am really proud of this team,” said the Swiss keeper. “We were already out, then we came back. We put everything on the pitch. We are very happy, and I am looking forward to the final.
“PSG and Arsenal are both good teams. We’ll enjoy this win tonight and it will be easy tomorrow night from the couch!”