Inter coach Simone Inzaghi hailed his
players as "monstrous" after they beat Barcelona 4-3 at San Siro
on Tuesday to reach the Champions League final 4-3 on aggregate
in one of the most exciting European clashes of all time.
Italy midfielder Davide Frattesi scored the winner in extra time
for Inter, who had look dead when they were trailing 3-2 in
injury time after the 90 minutes.
But centre back Francesco Acerbi ventured forward to poke home a
cross to keep the tie open.
Raphinha had scored what had looked set to be the decisive goal
in the 88th minute after the visitors came back from 2-0 with
goals by Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo.
A first-half score by Lautaro Martinez goal and a Hakan
Calhanoglu penalty had put Inter up 2-0 on the night and 5-3 on
aggregate.
"First of all, we have to congratulate Barcelona," said Inzaghi.
"We faced a really strong team, and it took a super Inter side
to win. The players delivered two monstrous performances to
reach this final, and I'm very proud of them - they gave
everything.
"Those who came on as substitutes were great and kept the level
high, and they deserve a victory like this in front of our fans.
"They were exemplary. I made substitutions which helped us
believe and limit a team like Barcelona.
"With heart, we overcame every obstacle. We tried to play with
our strengths and qualities.
"After the first game, we knew exactly what we needed to bring
to the pitch. "Without the sacrifice and support of everyone, it
wouldn't have turned out like this.
"They were brilliant and deserve this final."
Three-time European champions Inter will face Arsenal or Paris
Saint-Germain in their second UCL final in three years.
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