It’s about as good as the Champions League semi-finals get. With 13 goals in the two games, Inter Milan and Barcelona played out a modern-day classic.
The first game in Spain finished in an exciting 3-3 draw, but the second leg in Italy was even better. Milan scored seven goals that evening, and Davide Frattesi’s goal in extra time gave the home team a 4-3 victory (7-6 aggregate), guaranteeing their place in the final.
The attacking skill on exhibit was a complete delight, as seen by the quantity of goals. Unfortunately for Barcelona, despite their best efforts, they end up with nothing.
However, rising star Lamine Yamal’s ongoing greatness was one encouraging sign. The English media have shared their thoughts on the 17-year-old’s performance in defeat as he once again wowed on the grandest platform.
Despite losing to Inter, Lamine Yamal excels: “Danced past the Inter defence with tremendous balance.”
He led the league in shots, successful dribbles, duels won, and fouls won—one of which almost resulted in a penalty—according to the statistics, which demonstrate his excellent play. If that wasn’t enough to persuade, the English media as a whole concur that Yamal gave an outstanding performance: He received a 9 out of 10, with Vavel stating that he was the best player on the pitch:
“The winger was involved in most of Barcelona’s attacks. demonstrated amazing balance and ball control as they danced past the Inter defence. had several painfully close chances in extra time. Even though it didn’t make the score, it had a significant influence on the events.
The teenager’s “exceptional” performance was praised by Football365 writer Jason Soutar, who likened him to Lionel Messi. He wrote:
“We are still catching our breath as for the second week running, Lamine Yamal’s ability to glide through challenges with that Lionel Messi-esque balance and poise was on full display, nutmegging and skinning anyone brave enough to dive in – even under the constant pressure of Federico Dimarco and friends.”
Despite being less ebullient, journalist Adam Drury gave the young player a respectable 7/10 in Goal’s ratings, which is the joint-highest rating for a Barcelona player. He went on to say:
“Saw plenty of the ball and produced some lovely moments of skill to turn the tide in the second half, with his change of pace a particular feature.”
In spite of the loss, renowned reporter Henry Winter asserted following the match that “Lamine Yamal’s fabulous football is the antithesis of running down the clock.” He talked about how the young player received criticism for trying to take the ball to the corner late in Barca’s 3-2 victory rather than aiming for goal, but he also commended the player, saying:
Because he doesn’t play it safe, Yamal is adored. When teams and players don’t play it safe, football is unique. Yamal, this ebullient ball of creativity and talent, went for it.
