The End Of FC Barcelona's Champions League Journey
Football can be cruel and at the same time, brings joy when you least expect it, which is what I picked up from the Inter Milan Vs Barcelona match. That match will go down as one of the best Champions League semi-final matches this season, and honestly, it was the Champions League final for me because the match had everything from comebacks to incredible moments and a lot of emotions all together in that match alone. It was one crazy ride for 120 minutes of football being played, and with all sincerity, it should be FC Barcelona night, but it turned out to be Inter Milan night instead.
The match started in high spirit and intensity, but Barcelona were cut up when they conceded a penalty, which up till today is still debated by many as to whether that was not a penalty, but it has already happened. At the end of the first half Barcelona were down by two goals leaving them 5-3 on aggregate, but one thing I have learnt from FC Barcelona this season is that no matter where they played or as long as the final whistle has not been blown don't write them off so quickly and in the second half it played out just as I thought when Barcelona started their comeback.
Barcelona went on and scored three goals in the second half, which put them 6-5 on aggregate against Inter Milan, and I thought it was over because they were two minutes away from reaching the Champions League final. It was the dream that many Barcelona fans had worked for over 10 years, and the celebration did not begin until Gerard Martin was fouled by Dumfries and made a cross to his teammate Acerbi, who scored to level the scoreline and took the match to extra time.
Gerard Martin was fouled leading to that Inter Milan third goal, and I am surprised that the linesman, plus the VAR official, didn't review that play before giving the goal to Inter Milan. FC Barcelona were robbed at that spot, which is the truth because that goal shouldn't have stood, and I am 100 per cent sure that if the goal was not given, Barcelona would be in the UCL final. Barcelona UCL dream crumbled when Inter Milan scored again in the 99th minute of extra time, Frattesi, but honestly, I thought Barcelona would get another and take the match to penalties, but it did not happen, and when the final whistle was blown, the Barcelona players fell to their knees.
It was like a funeral scene for the Barcelona players as tears were everywhere, and the one that touched me the most was Raphinha. The Brazilian has given his all this season, and it was his moment to stamp his name in the history books. It was a heartbreaking moment for the Barcelona players, and this is the cruelty of football because they were just two minutes away from reaching the final. It was one of the best nights for Barcelona fans, but I am sure neutrals who watched that match enjoyed themselves because it was epic.
FC Barcelona had an incredible journey in the Champions League this season, and hopefully, they will come back stronger in the next season of the competition. So, guys, this is where I drop my pen. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day.