Inter Milan will face Paris St-Germain or Arsenal in the final on 31 May "It gave us everything. From start to finish last week to this week, everything about this semi-final has been pure entertainment," said Alan Shearer. For the second time in six days Inter Milan and Barcelona served up a European classic as the champions of Italywon 4-3 on the night- 7-6 on aggregate - to reach the Champions League final. In a thriller that will be remembered for years to come, Barca had trailed 2-0 and 3-2 in the first leg in Catalonia before salvaging a 3-3 draw. On Tuesday in Milan, they were then 2-0 behind at half-time - 5-3 on aggregate - before scoring three times without reply. Raphinha's 87th-minute strike was the first time Barca had taken the lead on aggregate but Francesco Acerbi's first European goal at the age of 37 took an utterly absorbing tie into extra time, with substitute Davide Frattesi scoring the winner to send more than 70,000 Inter fans inside the San Siro into raptures. It was the joint highest-scoring Champions League semi-final ever, with the 13 goals equalling the 2018 semi-final when Liverpool also defeated Roma 7-6 on aggregate. "We didn't expect this, did we?" added former England captain Shearer, who was inside the San Siro for Amazon Prime. "We expected a good game, but this? Thank you Inter Milan, thank you Barcelona for providing us with incredible entertainment and two great football matches. "What we have witnessed has been something very special. It's been a pleasure to be here." Inter will face either Paris St-Germain or Arsenal - who meet in the other semi-final in France on Wednesday (20:00 BST) - after one of the great modern classics. PSG lead 1-0 from the first leg. Inter have conceded eight goals in their past three Champions League games No neutrals wanted this tie full of twists and turns to end but, when Polish referee Szymon Marciniak sounded the final whistle at 23:38 local time, Inter Milan's players sank to their knees exhausted but triumphant. They remained on the pitch for a good 15 to 20 minutes after full-time to show their appreciation to their delirious fans, who can start booking flights and hotels for the final in Munich on 31 May. "Inter were heading out, they were done," added Shearer. "They somehow found a way to get themselves into the final. They deserve to be there." Inter's success in this season's competition has been built on dogged resilience and clean sheets. Not against Barcelona. They conceded more goals against the La Liga leaders over 210 minutes than they had in their opening 12 matches in this season's Champions League put together. The three-time winners had kept eight clean sheets in all, with Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer recording seven of those. On Tuesday alone, Barcelona peppered Inter's goal with 22 attempts - 10 on target - and scored three times in the space of 33 minutes. But Inter dug deep to go through with substitute Davide Frattesi scoring his side's extra-time winner. "What happened? I don't know!" he said afterwards. "I celebrated so loudly that my head was spinning." Inter's Francesco Acerbi is the second oldest scorer in a Champions League semi-final (37 years & 85 days) after Ryan Giggs for Manchester United against Schalke in 2010-11 (37 years & 148 days) It is 15 years since Inter - managed by Jose Mourinho at the time - were crowned champions of Europe. No Italian side has won the Champions League since that victory over Bayern Munich in 2010. Will that change at the end of the month? While they weren't necessarily the obvious choice to win this year's competition, before a ball was kicked Opta did rate them as third favourites to go all the way behind Real Madrid and Manchester City. With both of those teams already out, Inter are now in the box seat. And they went back in time to reach their second final in three seasons. The 2023 runners-up to Manchester City are unbeaten in 16 home games in the Champions League - their longest undefeated run on their own turf in Europe since the 1980s. "It was an amazing night," said Inter boss Simone Inzaghi. "One to share with our fans, our club and our families. The players did something extraordinary. "We played four amazing games against two world-class teams like Bayern [in the quarter-final] and Barcelona. It was great to celebrate this achievement here with our fans." Inter's Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries ended with two goals and three assists over the two legs against Barcelona. "A crazy match again! Seven goals today... it was incredible," said Dumfries. Italy midfielder Frattesi added: "After the game in Munich, I thought I would never experience anything like this again in terms of emotions. "But that's the beauty of football. It's part of my career; I've always been the first to believe and the last to give up." Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu (right) has scored all six of the penalties he has taken in the Champions League Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app. There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.
'Thank you Inter & Barca' - the game nobody wanted to end
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Inter Milan Secures Champions League Final Spot After Dramatic Victory Over Barcelona"
Bbc News
6.8
TruthLens AI Summary
In a thrilling Champions League semi-final, Inter Milan triumphed over Barcelona with a 4-3 victory in the second leg, securing a place in the final with a 7-6 aggregate score. The match, held at the iconic San Siro, was filled with dramatic twists, with Barcelona initially taking the lead on aggregate for the first time through Raphinha's late goal. However, Francesco Acerbi's equalizer took the game into extra time, where substitute Davide Frattesi scored the decisive goal that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. This match will be remembered as one of the highest-scoring semi-finals in Champions League history, matching the record of 13 goals set in 2018. Former England captain Alan Shearer praised the encounter as an extraordinary spectacle, highlighting the entertainment value provided by both teams over the two legs of the semi-final.
Inter Milan's journey to the final has been characterized by resilience and a strong defensive record, although they faced significant challenges against Barcelona, conceding more goals in this tie than in their previous 12 Champions League matches combined. The team, managed by Simone Inzaghi, will now prepare to face either Paris St-Germain or Arsenal in the final on May 31. Inter's players expressed their gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support, celebrating on the pitch long after the final whistle. The victory not only marks a significant achievement for the club but also rekindles hopes for their first Champions League title since 2010. With their unbeaten run at home extending to 16 matches, Inter looks poised to make a strong push for the trophy as they aim to break the Italian drought in the competition since their last win. The team has notably improved its standing, moving from being considered underdogs to now being strong contenders for the title, especially with the elimination of major rivals like Real Madrid and Manchester City.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights an exhilarating Champions League semi-final match between Inter Milan and Barcelona, which concluded with Inter’s dramatic victory. The narrative emphasizes the thrilling nature of the game, underscoring the excitement it generated among fans and commentators alike. It effectively captures the highs and lows of the match, showcasing the emotional rollercoaster experienced by both teams and their supporters.
Purpose of the Publication
The intent behind this news piece appears to be to celebrate the dramatic nature of the match, highlighting the entertainment value of football. By focusing on the thrilling aspects of the game, the article aims to engage readers and evoke emotions associated with high-stakes sports events. This serves to strengthen the fanbase of both clubs while enhancing interest in the upcoming final.
Public Perception
The article seeks to foster a sense of excitement and appreciation for the Champions League, positioning it as a premier football event. It aims to create a positive perception of both Inter Milan and Barcelona, framing them as teams capable of delivering unforgettable moments in sports history. The enthusiastic tone of the commentary by Alan Shearer further amplifies this sentiment.
Potential Omissions
While the focus is on the match's excitement, there may be an underlying intention to distract from other issues, such as the defensive weaknesses exhibited by Inter Milan, who have conceded eight goals in their last three Champions League games. This lack of critical analysis could be seen as an attempt to maintain a favorable image of Inter ahead of the final.
Manipulative Elements
The article presents a high level of manipulation through its emotive language and selective focus on the match's thrilling aspects. By emphasizing the entertainment value and the emotional stakes, it risks downplaying the tactical and technical shortcomings displayed, particularly by Inter's defense.
Trustworthiness of the Report
The report is largely factual, detailing the events of the match and including quotes from notable figures. However, the selective emphasis on excitement and entertainment may skew the reader's understanding of the overall context, particularly regarding the teams' performances. Thus, while the core facts are reliable, the narrative framing could be seen as less trustworthy.
Societal Impact
This type of coverage can influence public sentiment towards football, potentially increasing viewership for the final and inspiring greater investment in football-related activities. It might also impact the perception of the clubs involved, influencing fan engagement and loyalty.
Target Audience
The article primarily appeals to football fans, especially supporters of Inter and Barcelona. It taps into a broader sports community that thrives on excitement and competitive spirit, aiming to engage those who appreciate high-stakes matches.
Market Influence
While this news may not have a direct impact on stock markets, it can influence merchandise sales for the clubs, as heightened excitement often leads to increased sales of jerseys, tickets, and other team-related products.
Geopolitical Context
In terms of global power dynamics, this event is significant in the context of sports diplomacy, showcasing how football can unite diverse groups of people. However, it does not directly relate to current geopolitical issues.
Use of AI in Writing
The article could have been influenced by AI tools in terms of language optimization and structure. However, there is no clear evidence of AI manipulation in the narrative style. The focus remains on sports reporting, which typically requires a human touch for emotional engagement.
Manipulative Techniques
The article employs emotional language and thrilling descriptions to draw readers in, possibly manipulating their perceptions of the teams involved. This approach aims to create a sense of nostalgia and excitement around the sport rather than providing a balanced view of the game.
In summary, while the article provides an engaging recount of a significant football match, its emotional framing and selective focus on excitement might detract from a more comprehensive analysis of the teams' performances.