Inter Milan takes a decisive advance on Barcelona News Washington DC Mary Sidiqi Edition of the evening Lautaro Martínez made a triumphant return after its injury, marking and obtaining a penalty, allowing Inter Milan to take the 2-0 advantage at half-time against Barcelona during the return match of the Champions League. The Italian team leads 5-3 in total, with a place in the final at hand.
Quick
- Lautaro Martínez marks and obtains a penalty in the first half.
- Inter Milan leads to Barcelona 2-0 at halftime, 5-3 in total.
- Denzel Dumfries continues its form in the semi-finals with a third assist.
- Hakan çalhanoğlu converts the penalty after the Var’s examination on Lautaro’s fault.
- Lamine Yamal, from FC Barcelona, was contained by the disciplined defense of Inter.
- Inter targeting a second UCL final in three years.
- The winner will face PSG or Arsenal in the final in Munich on May 31.
- PSG leads 1-0 against Arsenal after the first leg in London.
Deep look
Inter Milan has taken a decisive step towards the Champions League finalfed by the return and shine of Lautaro Martinezwhich delivered a decisive performance in the first half of the return match of their semi-final against Barcelona. With a Lead 2-0 at halftime et Cumulative advantage of 5-3the Nerazzurri have shown a clinical finish, a tactical discipline and a calm experience on the largest scene in European Interclub football.
The tie had been delicately balanced after a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg At Camp Nou, but Inter arrived in San Siro determined to impose his will. In front of an enthusiastic audience, the coach Simone Inzaghi Men have not lost time to assert their control, building their advance thanks to moments of acute opportunism and collective precision.
The return of Lautaro: a timely masterclass
Back from a brief absence for injury, Lautaro Martínez reminded the world why he wears the captain’s armband for inter. Its influence was immediately felt: its energy, its movements and its intelligence in the last third destabilized a Barcelona defense which struggled to face its physique and its positioning.
In the 22e minuteFederico Dimarco intercepts a misplaced pass from Dani Olmo and leaps high on the ground to surprise Barcelona. Dimarco then delivered a laser guided deep pass to Denzel Dumfrieswho has once again assumed his creative role in this meeting. The Dutch side generously rolled up the ball towards the goal so that Lautaro concluded with insurance and composure, marking his Eighth goal in this Champions League campaign.
It was a classic Inter transfer.High pressure, rapid transition and clinical execution. Dumfries, now with Three help and one goal in this series of semi-finalscontinues to be a revelation in European competition, combining his athletics with his offensive conscience.
Just before half-time, Lautaro was again at the center of the action. He was dragged into the surface by the young defender of Barcelona Pau Cubarsíand although the referee initially ignored the incident, The Var intervenedAfter examination, the fault was clear. The decision was canceled and Hakan Çalhanoglu He advanced to convert the penalty, doubling the Inter advance and pushing Barcelona to the edge of the abyss.
Lautaro’s role in both goals highlighted its value as more than a finisher.It is the Talisman, the creator and the emotional leader of the Inter. Argentinian now has 22 goals and six assists In all competitions this season, and its recovery could not have arrived at a better time.
Tactical superiority and defensive solidity
If the Inter attack made the headlines, the defensive performance was just as impressive. Barcelona approached the return match hoping for a magical performance by her young star. Yamal licksbut the back line of the Inter, anchored by Alessandro Bastoni et Francesco Acerbi—The largely maintained neutralized.
Yamal succeeded in two promising dribbles, but fighting perfectly timed tackle Just before the second goal, Inter perfectly illustrated its defensive strategy during this meeting. The three of the defense was organized, physical and alert, leaving Barcelona for a short time to take its pace.
-Barcelona, deprived of part of her control of the veteran midfielder, had trouble performing a quick transition. Pedri and Gavi are still recovering et Lewandowski isolated at the topThey found few ways to disrupt the defensive structure of Inter. Whenever the Catalan team tried to build in the middle, it was stifled by the double pivot of the Inter, composed of çalhanoğlu and Barella.
A return to the European elite?
If the Inter ends the work in the second period, they will reach the Champions League final for the second time in three seasonsmarking a spectacular rebirth for a club that has spent a large part of the last decade in the shadow of Europe. In 2023, the Inter reached the final in Istanbul, where they narrowly lost to Manchester City in a very disputed match. This performance, however, was more defensive; This season, Inzaghi’s men have evolved towards a balanced counterattack force with tactical flexibility and offensive force.
They are no longer only resilient, they are merciless when it matters.
Final in sight: PSG or arsenal pending
The winner of this meeting will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal In the final the 31 Never to Munich. PSG took a MENE 1-0 in the first leg In London thanks to a disciplined performance and a moment of radiance of Kylian Mbappé.
Whatever the opponent, the Potential Inter qualification for the final promises a thrilling duel. If PSG qualifies, it will be a duel between the power of Mbappé and the structural solidity of the Inter. If Arsenal manages to return, the tactical pragmatics of the tournament will face one of the most fluid offensive teams in Europe.
The leadership and inheritance of Lautaro
For Lautaro Martínez, a potential final of the Champions League represents Another summit in a decorated careerwhich already includes a World Cup title with Argentina. His performance against Barcelona, especially after an injury, only consolidates his statutes as one of the best attackers in current world football.
He went from a young talented attacker to a world class leader capable of changing the situationnot only by his goals, but also by his presence, his pressure and his composure. At just 26 years old, he already wrote his story to Inter, and this European journey may well become the decisive chapter.
Final reflections
The domination of Inter Milan in the first half was not just about the display table: it was a declaration of intention, ambition and European prestige. Barcelona, formerly the dominant force of continental football, seemed a little behind, exceeded by cohesion, balance and fire power of the Inter.
With There are still 45 minutes to playthe work is not over, but if the Inter continues on this momentum, Munich awaits youand Lautaro Martínez could still lead his team to the ultimate price for European club football.
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