Stunning Rescue: Inter’s Savior Against Yamal
The Octopus – One of the Greatest Saves in History!
Yann Sommer delivered an exceptional performance on Inter’s night of qualification to the Champions League final, preventing his team’s elimination.
Inter Milan secured a memorable 4-3 victory over Barcelona at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in the Champions League semifinal second leg, advancing to the final in Munich. The match, filled with goals and drama, saw Lautaro Martínez, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Francesco Acerbi, and Davide Frattesi scoring for Inter. However, the true star was Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer, whose three extraordinary saves kept Inter’s hopes alive.
Inter faced intense pressure from Barcelona, especially in the second half, but Sommer’s reflexes repeatedly denied the Catalan side. His saves were not only technically flawless but also lifted the spirits of Simone Inzaghi’s exhausted team, allowing late goals from Acerbi and Frattesi to seal the historic win.
First Save: Rescuing a Deadly Counterattack
In the 54th minute, with Inter leading 2-1, Barcelona launched a swift counterattack. Pedri, Ferran Torres, and Eric García combined to set up García for a clear chance, but Sommer stretched to his left to palm the ball away, preventing an equalizer.
Second Save: Denying Yamal Under Pressure
In the 77th minute, with the score tied 2-2, Lamine Yamal unleashed a curling shot destined for the top corner. Sommer leaped to his right, tipping the ball onto the crossbar in what fans dubbed the “impossible save.”
Third Save: The Decisive Moment Against Yamal
In the 114th minute, with Inter leading 4-3, Yamal found himself one-on-one after a quick Barcelona break. His precise shot seemed destined for the net, but Sommer’s fingertips deflected it wide, securing Inter’s place in the final.
This save prevented a 4-4 draw and cemented Inter’s progression. The San Siro crowd chanted Sommer’s name, crowning him the hero of the night.