Internazionale goalkeeper Yann Sommer hailed his “special save” against Lamine Yamal after his side edged Barcelona in a thrilling Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.
Sommer managed to deflect a shot from Yamal in the 114th minute, and Davide Frattesi’s goal in extra time secured Inter’s 4-3 victory on the night, securing their place in the final.
It was one of the seven saves made by Sommer, while Inter, backed by a noisy crowd at San Siro, prevailed with a 7-6 aggregate score after two vibrant matches.
I am very happy, it was an incredible match. The team did something tremendous tonight.
Yann Sommer
The goalkeeper also highlighted the importance of the team’s faith.
Lamine’s last stop was very special. He is a great player who always looks for the shot. I am very happy that it didn’t go in. This match shows that we believe until the end. Look at what Acerbi did, equalizing in the 93rd minute. We believed until the end.
Yann Sommer
Inter had twice squandered the lead in the first leg, drawing 3-3 in Barcelona, and saw another two-goal advantage evaporate in this match.
Lautaro Martínez and Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s goals in the first half were countered after the break by Eric García and Dani Olmo, as Barça fought to come back for the third time in the tie.
When Raphinha scored in the 87th minute, giving the LaLiga leaders the lead for the first time, Inter seemed to be out of the competition.
But there was still a twist, with veteran defender Acerbi taking the match to extra time and Frattesi sealing a memorable victory.
Coach Simone Inzaghi, after leading Inter to their second Champions League final in three years, praised his team and acknowledged Barcelona’s strength.
It took a great Inter, so I praise my team for delivering two incredible performances in the two matches. It was the only way to reach the final.
Simone Inzaghi
Inzaghi also highlighted the players’ effort, considering the physical difficulties of some.
I am very proud and happy to be their coach. They gave me everything. It is only fair that they enjoy their success in this stadium. They should enjoy every moment in front of these fans. They were exemplary. I told the players to believe, that we could try to limit Barcelona, even though it wouldn’t be easy.
Simone Inzaghi
El Inter se enfrentará al Arsenal o al Paris Saint-Germain en la final y probablemente llegará a ese partido en igualdad de condiciones, independientemente del rival.
Inzaghi highlighted the team’s growth in the last two years.
We have grown in the past two years. The most important thing is the journey, what we have done this season. We need to continue with that. The Champions League final will be against a great team. Whoever it is, it will be a great match. After beating Bayern Munich and Barcelona, the other two teams will also be difficult to beat, but Bayern and Barça are probably the two best teams in Europe.
Simone Inzaghi
Before the final in Munich on May 31st, Inter will try to close the gap with Napoli in Serie A. They are three points behind the leaders and return to league action this weekend with a visit to Torino.
