Inter Milan’s Dramatic Extra-Time Winner Sends Nerazzurri to Final After VAR Drama Sparks Debate
Arsène Wenger has slammed officials for a “huge mistake” that he believes cost Barcelona dearly in their heartbreaking Champions League semifinal exit to Inter Milan. The legendary former Arsenal manager criticized the controversial penalty decision that helped Inter take control of the tie before Francesco Acerbi’s 93rd-minute equalizer and Davide Frattesi’s extra-time winner sealed a sensational 4-3 victory (7-6 on aggregate) at San Siro.
Barcelona had staged another stunning comeback, just as they did in the first leg, and thought they’d booked their final ticket when Raphinha fired them ahead in the 87th minute. But 37-year-old Acerbi, pushed forward in desperation, became an unlikely hero with a last-gasp finish to force extra time—where Frattesi delivered the knockout blow.
The flashpoint came earlier when Inter were awarded a contentious penalty after Lautaro Martínez went down under Pau Cubarsí’s challenge. VAR intervened, overturning the referee’s initial decision, but Wenger was furious with the call.
“I’m completely against these kinds of penalties,” Wenger fumed on beIN SPORTS. “At normal speed, it’s a great tackle—Cubarsí gets the ball first. Martínez leans into him, hunting for the contact. The referee got it wrong. What matters is who wins the ball, not minimal contact afterward.”
Barca suffered more VAR frustration when a potential penalty for a foul on Lamine Yamal was downgraded to a free-kick. The decisions left Hansi Flick’s side aggrieved, though their European exit was softened slightly by their Copa del Rey triumph and their lead in La Liga.
Meanwhile, Inter’s victory—sealed after blowing a 2-0 lead before their late heroics—sets up a final against either Arsenal or PSG. The Nerazzurri’s rollercoaster night left pundits in awe.
“Thank you, Inter and Barça—you gave us something special,” tweeted Alan Shearer. Daniel Sturridge added: “This will live in fans’ memories forever. What a spectacle!”
For Barcelona, the pain of elimination will linger. For Inter, Munich awaits—and a chance to rewrite their own history after falling short in 2023. One thing’s certain: this semifinal will be talked about for years.
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