‘Incredible feeling’: Inter’s Taremi says after reaching UCL final
Inter striker Mahdi Taremi reveled in the “incredible feeling” of securing a place in the UEFA Champions League final after his side claimed a dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory over Barcelona at home on Tuesday, winning the last-four tie 7-6 on aggregate.
Introduced as a second-half substitute for Argentine skipper Lautaro Martinez, Taremi teed up Davide Frattesi in the box for the all-important winner in the ninth minute of extra time as the Nerazzurri progressed to the final showpiece of the European elite clubs’ competition for the second time in three seasons, looking to lift the trophy in Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31.
“It’s an incredible feeling. Our approach was good, and we played very well. We have great respect for Barcelona, which is an amazing club,” Taremi, who will be the second Iranian to be part of the Champions League final following legendary striker Ali Daei, told Inter TV.
Daei was an unused substitute for Bayern Munich in the classic 1999 final in Camp Nou, where the Bavarians conceded two stoppage-time goals to lose 2-1 to Manchester United.
“It was wonderful because every player dreams of playing in a Champions League semifinal, especially in a game of this magnitude. When I arrived, I immediately saw a strong and united group, a great family. Our goal has always been to reach the Champions League final,” added Taremi, who joined Inter as a free agent from Porto last summer.
Following a breathtaking first leg in Barcelona that had everything from early drama, late chaos, and dazzling moments from 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, the return encounter in Milan was even more dramatic, a rollercoaster ride that will live long in the memory.
It was a tale of two halves as Inter dominated the first 45 minutes and opened a two-goal lead thanks to a Martinez goal on the counter in the 21st minute before Hakan Calhanoglu extended their advantage with a penalty right before the break.
However, Barca woke up in the second half with Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo netting within six minutes to level the scoring and, even though Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer worked his magic to help keep the host alive, the Catalans thought they had scored the winner through Raphinha, who struck from close range in the 87th minute.
But as Inter made a desperate run for an equalizer, Denzel Dumfries found 37-year-old Francesco Acerbi inside the box and he fired a first-time effort into the net in third minute of added time to take the game to extra time.
“It took a super Inter, applause for these guys, two monstrous performances were put on the pitch. I’m happy to be their coach, they gave me everything they had. It is only right that they enjoy the success in this stadium,” Inter boss Simone Inzaghi told Sky Sport.
“We had some problems, but with our hearts we went beyond every obstacle,” added the Italian.
“We tried to play for it, with the weapons and the qualities we have. After the first leg we had the match plan in mind, but without sacrifice and help all together you can’t do it.”