Inter Milan beats Benfica to get Milan derby semi-final

In a thrilling encounter at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Inter Milan and Benfica played out a pulsating 3-3 draw in the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie. However, despite the draw, Inter progressed to the semifinals on a 5-3 aggregate scoreline, thanks to their 2-0 victory in the first leg in Milan.

Exciting start

The match started brightly for the home side, as Inter's Nicolo Barella opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a stunning strike from outside the box that left Benfica goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos with no chance. However, Benfica responded well to going behind and began to assert their authority on the game. The visitors got their reward in the 38th minute when Fredrik Aursnes latched onto a cross from Rafa Silva to slot the ball past Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana and level the scores.

Second half entertainment

The second half was a more even affair, with both teams creating chances to take the lead. However, it was Inter who struck next, with Lautaro Martinez firing home from close range in the 65th minute to put the hosts back in front. Inter extended their lead just 13 minutes later, as Joaquin Correa finished off a sweeping move involving Matteo Dimarco to give the Italian side a two-goal cushion and seemingly put them out of sight.

Benfica keeps going

But Benfica refused to give up, and Antonio Silva pulled a goal back for the visitors in the 86th minute with a fine finish past Onana. And just as it looked like Inter would hold on for the win, Benfica completed a remarkable comeback in stoppage time, with Patrick Musa smashing home from close range to secure a 3-3 draw on the night.

Despite the disappointment of not winning on the night, Inter can be proud of their overall performance in the tie, with Barella and Martinez particularly impressive for the home side. They now will prepare for an epic Milan Derby in the semi-finals. Ac Milan v Inter Milan tickets for the first leg in this tie are very popular at this moment. It’s going to be a very special moment for Milano. It’s exactly 20 years ago when these two teams played their last derby in the Champions League semi-final. Which team will make it to the Champions League final?