Internazionale is the first finalist in the Champions League. The team featuring Denzel Dumfries, Stefan de Vrij, and Andre Onana, just like last week, won against AC Milan and will play a final in the billion-dollar tournament for the first time in thirteen years.
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For Inter, it was the first time since 2010 that they reached the semifinals of the Champions League. Back then, Wesley Sneijder was part of the team that won the treble under José Mourinho. Milan, on the other hand, made it to the semifinals of the billion-dollar tournament for the first time in sixteen years. They previously met each other in the quarterfinals in 2005.
Milan was truly outclassed by Inter last week and had to overcome a 2-0 deficit. The team led by Stefano Pioli showed determination from the start, with Inter goalkeeper Onana being tested multiple times but managing to escape unscathed.
All eyes were on Rafael Leão at Milan, who missed the previous match due to an injury but was back in the lineup now. The Portuguese forward narrowly missed a promising opportunity, and moments later Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan barely prevented an Inter goal. Despite creating chances, Milan couldn't find the back of the net, but the opportunities provided hope for the second half.
However, the second half didn't match the intensity of the first. Milan needed to score as they had yet to find the back of the net, but they barely troubled Inter. Pioli surprisingly waited a long time before introducing fresh players who could potentially turn the tie around. With the sting taken out of Milan's attack, there was no indication that a comeback was likely, especially when Lautaro Martínez scored the 1-0 goal with fifteen minutes remaining. That sealed Milan's fate, and although they brought on newcomers Alexis Saelemaekers and Divock Origi, it made no difference in the end.
Updated: 10:49, 17 May 2023
