Barcelona’s journey in the UEFA Champions League came to a heartbreaking end once again, as they suffered a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Inter Milan in the second leg of the semifinal, resulting in a 7-6 aggregate loss. Despite a valiant comeback attempt, the Catalan giants were ultimately undone by familiar defensive frailties.
The clash at San Siro was an emotional rollercoaster from the opening whistle. Inter Milan started the match with fierce intensity and raced to a two-goal lead, stunning the visitors and placing one foot in the final. Yеt, Bаrсеlоnа ѕhоwеd rеѕіlіеnсе аnd determination, mounting a ѕріrіtеd response wіth gоаlѕ from Eric Garcia, Dаnі Olmo, аnd Rарhіnhа thаt ѕwung the mоmеntum іn thеіr favor.
Just when it seemed Barcelona had turned the tie on its head, a late goal from Inter defender Francesco Acerbi in the dying minutes of regulation leveled the scoreline and forced the game into extra time. Thе аddіtіоnаl 30 mіnutеѕ рrоvеd decisive, аѕ Inter mіdfіеldеr Dаvіdе Frаttеѕі fіrеd home the winner thаt crushed Bаrсеlоnа’ѕ hореѕ of reaching thе fіnаl in Iѕtаnbul.
Flick’s Barcelona Fall Short Despite Grit
For head coach Hansi Flick and his players, the defeat was particularly painful. Barcelona showed remarkable heart and fighting spirit throughout the match, but it wasn’t enough to mask the recurring vulnerabilities in defense that have plagued them throughout the season.
Although their attacking play was fluid and often dangerous, their inability to manage crucial moments at the back once again proved costly. The elimination marked another chapter of frustration in Barcelona’s recent European history, where progress is consistently halted at the penultimate hurdle.
Rivaldo’s Harsh Verdict: Defensive Errors Still Haunt Barcelona
Brazilian legend and former Barcelona star Rivaldo did not hold back in his post-match assessment. Speaking to Sport, Rivaldo expressed deep disappointment in the team’s defensive display. Calling it a continuation of long-standing issues that remain unresolved.
“The match was exciting, but some mistakes simply cannot happen at this stage of the competition,” Rivaldo stated. “Unfortunately, we’ve seen these same errors crop up in other matches this season, and it’s cost the team dearly.”
He went on to criticize the number of goals conceded. “A club like Barcelona should never allow four goals in one match. It happened against Benfica, Atletico Madrid, and now in one of the most important games of the season.”
A Call for Defensive Overhaul in Champions League
Rivaldo stressed that conceding seven goals across two legs in a Champions League semifinal is unacceptable for a club of Barcelona’s stature.
“At this level, small defensive lapses are punished severely. This wasn’t just about individual mistakes—it was a structural problem. The entire backline needs to be evaluated, and perhaps the approach to defending reconsidered,” he added.
He emphasized that even with a talented attacking lineup, no team can succeed if the defense collapses under pressure. “These are goals that could and should have been avoided, especially in such a critical tie. It’s incredibly disappointing.”
Rivaldo admitted he had high hopes for the Blaugrana this season, believing they had the quality to reach the final. “I genuinely believed this could be the year we’d see Barcelona in the final again. But until the defensive issues are addressed, this dream will keep slipping away,” he concluded.
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