Inzaghi hails Inter's 'monstrous' performance in Champions League win over Barcelona

The tie, already brimming with intensity, reached a fever pitch in the closing minutes, as Inter staged a stunning comeback to break Barcelona hearts.

Trailing 3-2 on the night and 6-5 on aggregate, Inter's hopes were fading until centre-back Francesco Acerbi smashed a cross into the roof of the net in added time, levelling the aggregate score at 6-6.

Just moments later, substitute Davide Frattesi completed the turnaround, rifling a left-footed strike into the bottom corner to seal a 4-3 win on the night and send Inter through 7-6 overall.

The match was the second leg of a fiercely contested semi-final, with the tie featuring a remarkable 13 goals and numerous lead changes.

Barcelona, who had fought back from 2-0 down to lead 3-2, appeared on course for their first Champions League final in a decade.

However, they were undone by Inter's late surge and crucial saves from goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who twice denied the dangerous Lamine Yamal in the closing stages.

"First of all, credit must go to Barcelona," said Inter boss Simone Inzaghi. "They're a really strong team. It took a super Inter, and hats off to these guys who put in two monstrous performances.

"Otherwise we wouldn't have been able to reach a final. I'm proud and happy to be their coach; they gave me everything they had.

"The substitutes did excellently, we maintained a high level and the changes helped us at the right moment.

"It's only right the guys enjoy this in front of our fans, I'm satisfied.

"They were exemplary. I told them to believe, and I made changes that helped limit a team that's extremely difficult to contain.

"We had a few problems, but with heart, you can overcome any obstacle.

"We tried to play with our own weapons and qualities, and we knew Barcelona well.

"After the first game, we were clear about what we had to do.

"But without everyone's sacrifice, it wouldn't have been possible. Everyone who played put their heart into it, they all deserve this final."

For Inter, the victory marks their second Champions League final appearance in three seasons. The three-time European champions will now look to add a fourth title to their illustrious history. 

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