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Barcelona were knocked out by Inter Milan in the 2024/25 Champions League semifinals after losing 4-3 in the second leg in extra time to a brilliant finish from Davide Frattesi.
Here are the five biggest stars and flops for Barcelona from the defeat.
Star: RW Lamine Yamal
By far the star of the game for Barcelona, and, truthfully, he was the best player on either team, with the possible exception of Man of the Match Yann Sommer in the Inter Milan goal.
Lamine Yamal was breathtaking in the first leg and just as good in the second, even without a goal or an assist. He created chance after chance for his teammates with teasing deliveries that really should have been put away. The Spanish superstar hit the frame of the goal once and was thwarted by all-time great Champions League saves on multiple occasions by Inter’s Swiss superstar.
In the end, Yamal completed a jaw-dropping 14 dribbles for the Blaugrana. By hook or by crook, Inter Milan tried to do whatever they could to stop him, fouling the European Champion seven times.
Flop: CF Ferran Torres
Despite getting into threatening positions, Ferran Torres was left wanting badly by his teammates and was clearly a step below the rest of his teammates. Raphinha could have had a better day in the Barcelona attack, too, but it was Torres who most profoundly failed to take advantage of the opportunities forged by Yamal.
Torres did not complete a single dribble or produce a single chance for his teammates, in stark contrast to the trio of Inter Milan strikers who produced fine all-around performances for the victorious home side.
Star: LB Gerard Martin
Gerard Martin was the unlikely hero for Barcelona on this night, creating the two goals to equalizing things 2-2 with absolutely jaw-dropping deliveries put on a platter for Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo. His second cross for Olmo, in particular, was put in a place that the Spanish international simply could not miss.
In addition to the assists, Martin defended very well against the highly dangerous Denzel Dumfries on the Inter right side, recording three tackles and a handful of clearances.
Flop: ST Robert Lewandowski
Barcelona were noticeably worse with Robert Lewandowski on the pitch in the final minutes of the match. The Polish superstar is, admittedly, hobbled by an injury, but that still doesn’t excuse the fact that he didn’t link up well with his teammates and missed a couple of absolute sitters that could have won the game for Barca.
Star: RB Eric Garcia
Eric Garcia took the opening Barcelona goal with aplomb on the volley, and that was the finest finish of the night from the Blaugrana side. Starting on the right side of the defense, Eric acquitted himself surprisingly well against Inter Milan superstar left wing back Federico Dimarco.
The 24-year-old recorded three interceptions and even won two dribbles, fighting hard for 97 minutes before Barcelona brought in young prospect Hector Fort in to the game.
More must-reads:
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Newcastle at a crossroads as Liverpool prepares record bid for Alexander Isak
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