The Blaugrana came from 2-0 down to be on the verge of a famous victory, only to concede twice in devastating fashion and lose in extra-time
Barcelona were beaten 4-3 by Inter on Tuesday in an exhilarating Champions League semi-final that ended with the Italian side winning 7-6 on aggregate despite Hansi Flick’s side being seconds away from securing a spot in the final.
The hosts raced into a two-goal lead via strikes from Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu, before Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo drew Barca level shortly after the break.
Raphinha then seemed to have booked his side’s place in the final with an 87th-minute strike, only for Francesco Acerbi to equalise in added time. Davide Frattesi then struck in the first half of extra-time to settle this epic tie.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Wojciech Szczesny (5/10):
Not at fault for any of the goals and was otherwise not called into action too much.
Eric Garcia (6/10):
Neither of Inter’s opening two goals came from his flank and he scored with a lovely volley to get his side back into the tie, though he did miss another fine chance to draw them level in normal time.
Pau Cubarsi (4/10):
Committed the foul for the Inter penalty when Martinez got his body between him and the ball.
Inigo Martinez (4/10):
Struggled up against Thuram when the pair raced into the space left behind Barca’s defence.
Gerard Martin (7/10):
Had a tough first half against Dumfries but produced two excellent assists to get his side back level, and could have had another when Garcia forced a fine save from Sommer.
Midfield
Frenkie de Jong (5/10):
Struggled against Inter’s athleticism and speed in the first half, but warmed up as the game wore on.
Pedri (7/10):
Had the best day of all of Barcelona’s midfield and was increasingly influential, exhibiting some superb touches.
Dani Olmo (5/10):
Had a bad first half, summed up by being caught on the ball for Inter’s opener, but made up for it in the second by powering home a header to make it 2-2.
Attack
Lamine Yamal (7/10):
Saw plenty of the ball and produced some lovely moments of skill to turn the tide in the second half, with his change of pace a particular feature.
Ferran Torres (5/10):
A quiet evening for the forward, who generally occupied Inter’s backline while the others grew in prominence.
Raphinha (6/10):
Also struggled to make an impact as Barca funnelled the ball to Yamal on the right as often as possible. So close to then becoming the hero with a late goal to make it 3-2 before Inter’s dramatic equaliser.
