Inter Milan's veteran defender Francesco Acerbi derails past trauma with match-saving goal against Barcelona

Inter Milan achieved a remarkable victory in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals, effectively ending FC Barcelona's dominant run in European football this season. The match took place at the iconic San Siro stadium, where Inter's performance stunned fans and secured their place in the finals.

Both the teams were tied at 3-3 heading into the second leg. Both the teams staged incredible comebacks during the match, but it was Milan that prevailed with a 4-3 win in the second leg of the UCL semis.

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Francesco Acerbi resilience bears fruits 

Acerbi, the 37-year-old defender for Inter, played an important role in securing his team's dramatic victory. Just before the final whistle, during the 90+3rd minute, he connected a bullet header to score the equalizer, bringing the score to 3-3 after Inter had been trailing.

The goal also marked his first in Europe's apex football club competition. The story behind the goal is filled with unravelling and traumatic emotions that the veteran had been quietly battling for all these years. Acerbi endured a traumatic life filled with hardships. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer twice. Just when he recovered from the deadly disease, the Italian lost his father and went into an abyss of alcohol addiction. He conquered his traumas to get back his spot in the senior team.

In an intense match, Inter Milan took an early lead with two quick goals from Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu, establishing a 2-0 advantage by halftime. However, FC Barcelona staged a remarkable comeback in the second half, with goals from Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo, and Raphinha bringing them back into contention.

Just when it seemed Barcelona would clinch the victory, Francesco Acerbi scored a powerful header from a corner kick in stoppage time, forcing the game into extra time. Davide Frattesi netted the winner in the 101st minute.