Brazilian footballer Raphinha matches Cristiano Ronaldo's record, yet exits the field in sorrow as Barcelona succumbs to Inter Milan.
Champions League Drama: Barcelona Exit Against Inter in Thriller
Barca's European dream shatters in nail-biting semi-final against Inter Milan.
Barcelona suffer heartbreaking semi-final loss to Inter Milan in an epic Champions League encounter**. Despite star player Raphinha making history, a heart-wrenching extra time goal from Davide Frattesi saw Inter advance to the final.
Raphinha seemed to have sealed Barca's comeback win at the San Siro, putting his side 3-2 up on the night and 6-5 on aggregate, with just minutes remaining. However, the tie went to extra time as Francesco Acerbi scored an equalizer deep into stoppage time.
This highly-anticipated rematch, following their close 3-3 draw in the first leg at Montjuic, did not disappoint. The score was tied 3-3 in regular time.
Inter showcased their impressive counter-attacking skills from their victory in the first leg, racing to a 2-0 lead once more, this time through Lautaro Martinez and then Hakan Calhanoglu's penalty kick.
Barcelona couldn't have looked more lost, but they rallied after the break, with Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo leveling things up.
Raphinha's Record-Breaking Performance
Raphinha Outguns CR7's 2013/14 Record
Raphinha then believed he had secured a spot in Munich's final with his late goal, only to be denied by Acerbi. Nevertheless, his goal put him in an extraordinary position in the Champions League record books.
With 13 goals and 8 assists this season, Raphinha tied Cristiano Ronaldo's 21 contributions in the 2013/14 season. Although this is a remarkable achievement, it will not soften the blow of Barca's elimination.
Inter went on to secure the win in extra time, thanks to a left-footed strike from Frattesi in the first period. The Brazilian wasn't shut down, though, as he enjoyed a historic European campaign.
Lamine Yamal nearly forced the tie to penalties, but he was denied twice by Inter's Yann Sommer.
Headlines in the Champions League
Twist on Ballon d'Or Predictions
Amidst Barca's sorrow, Raphinha's remarkable season continues to captivate pundits everywhere. However, with Barca's elimination, the question of who should win the Ballon d'Or becomes even more complex.
PSG vs Arsenal - Legendary Clash Awaits
The stage is now set for the UEFA Champions League final, with Inter preparing to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in Munich's Allianz Arena on May 31.
Listen to live commentary of PSG vs Arsenal on talkSPORT.
managed by Hansi Flick, complained about the referee, Szymon Marciniak's performance, claiming that Inter were favored throughout the tie. "I don't want to talk too much about the referee, but every decision that was 50-50 went their way," Flick said. "I am disappointed, but not with my team. They tried everything. It's the way it is. We are out, but next year we will try again to make the fans happy."
All eyes are now on PSG and Arsenal, as they battle for a place in this year's Champions League final.
Despite Raphinha's record-breaking performance and goal, Inter Milan advanced to the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal.
Raphinha's performance tied Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 21 contributions in the 2013/14 season, but the achievement couldn't soften the blow of Barcelona's elimination.
Inter Milan showcased their counter-attacking skills, racing to a 2-0 lead against Barca, only for the latter to rally and tie the match.
Barcelona's manager, Hansi Flick, complained about the referee's performance, claiming that Inter were favored throughout the tie.
The Champions League final will take place in Munich's Allianz Arena on May 31, with the winner being determined by a match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.
Raphinha's captivating season continues to draw pundits' attention, but the question of who should win the Ballon d'Or becomes even more complex with Barca's elimination.
The heart-wrenching extra time goal from Davide Frattesi saw Inter Milan eliminate Barcelona from the Champions League.
