Unforgettable Clash: "Insane, Legendary, Historic" - Inter Milan Knocks Out FC Barcelona in Epic Extra Time Final
"Harsh verdict for Barça, questionable officiating in game"
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In an electrifying semi-final, Inter Milan eliminates Hansi Flick's FC Barcelona and proceeds to the Champions League final in Munich. After an unparalleled 3:3 draw in the first leg, both teams elevated their game: Inter's remarkable 4:3 (2:0) extra-time victory transformed this titanic affair into a historic spectacle, shattering the record for the most goals in a Champions League semi-final. The Italian press acclaims the "Interminators" following a "bananas, epic, groundbreaking, emotional" match. Meanwhile, referee Szymon Marciniak faces criticism in Spain.
Spain
Marca: "Merciless blow for Barça. The headlines will be about Lamine, but the game-changer in this affair was Sommer. Staggering."
AS: "A cruel finish for Barça."
Mundo Deportivo: "Barça bows out valiantly in Milan post another epic brawl. After a 0:2 deficit, Barcelona survives Marciniak's controversial refereeing, but Acerbi pushes Inter into extra time, where Frattesi marks the 4:3 final score."
El Mundo: "A harsh verdict for Lamine's Barça. Inter secures a spot in the Champions League final after an epic showdown."
Sport: "A hymn to football history. Respect to Barça and Inter. An epic game compromised by several decisions against Flick's team by the Polish referee Marciniak."
Sport Spectacular CL exit for Barça Flick: "50/50 always for Inter - but that's how it is"
Italy
Gazzetta dello Sport: "Insane night, endless Inter: They eliminate Barça in extra time and reach the final! Inter's dream continues. After 120 electrifying minutes, it ends in euphoria."
Tuttosport: "INTERMINATOR! It's Inter's moment."
Corriere dello Sport: "Crazy, epic, historic, emotional: Pick your preferred adjective for this endless Inter. The San Siro closes in tears and jubilation."
Corriere della Sera: "Inter pulls an astounding feat, now they soar to the Munich final. The San Siro erupts in joy."
Portugal
A Bola: "If football had been invented in the 16th century, this game would have been a masterpiece from da Vinci... Can you catch your breath? It was impossible to do so during the 120 minutes between Inter and Barcelona."
Record: "Words fail to describe this duel between Inter Milan and Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final. It was a genuine ode to football."
Fußball "We must accept" This time Hansi Flick complains about the referee after a "cruel" exit
France
L'Equipe: "FA-BU-LEUX. If we had wished for the UEFA, we would have suggested not waiting another 15 years for a Champions League semi-final between Inter and Barcelona."
England
BBC: "Inter triumphs over Barcelona in the game of the century."
Daily Mail: "An absolute rollercoaster ride - the best Champions League semi-final ever."
Blick: "Some believed the first leg couldn't be bested - and then came this rematch. 2:0 for Inter, then 3:2 for Barca, and in the end, there's extra time where Inter turns the tide again. It finishes 4:3, and the Nerazzurri secure a spot in the Champions League final. What a game! But everyone can thank one man: Yann Sommer."
Source: ntv.de, ter/sid
- FC Barcelona
- Champions League
- Inter Milan
Although there was no report of controversy involving Szymon Marciniak during the 2021 Champions League semi-final between FC Barcelona and Inter Milan, some controversy swirled around him in the 2025 semi-finals. Here are the key points:
- Dubious Penalty Call: Marciniak awarded Inter a penalty when Pau Cubarsí fouled Lautaro Martínez, although images revealed that Cubarsí touched the ball first leading to significant backlash from Barcelona fans and players[4].
- Bias Allegations: Barcelona fans and certain media outlets alleged Marciniak's bias, pointing to past instances of his involvement in Real Madrid-branded merchandise. This led to concerns over his impartiality[2][5].
- Perceived Favoritism: Pedri felt that nearly all close calls leaned in favor of Inter during the match, prompting him to request an investigation into the refereeing performance[1].
Community aid could be provided to help restore faith in the refereeing of Szymon Marciniak, following controversial decisions in the 2025 Champions League semi-finals between FC Barcelona and Inter Milan. The deficit in criticism towards Marciniak was evident after a dubious penalty call favouring Inter, leading to backlash. The potential bias towards the winning team, Inter Milan, was further emphasized through allegations of Marciniak's involvement in Real Madrid-branded merchandise. This issue raised concerns over his impartiality and led to requests for an investigation into the refereeing performance, particularly by FC Barcelona's player Pedri. The development of regional sports programs may also benefit from understanding the impact of these controversies on public perception and player morale in European leagues such as the Champions League.
