Champions League: Inter the Final

Inter Milan have reached the final of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1971-1972 Season where they were defeat by the mighty Ajax in Rotterdam, of all places considering the dutch rivalry there between Ajax and Feyenoord. Tonight however Inter held out, a resistance if you like, against a Barcelona side that dominated in posession especially after Thiago Motta was sent off in the first half after he left a hand trailing. After this, it was backs to the wall and rightly so against a side that can outfootball any team on the planet. Inter defended majestically, limiting Barca to few chances and only Lionel Messi's superb effort in the first half forced any kind of world class save out of Julio Cesar. In the second half, Barca dominated as expected but Inter held out despite an excellent goal from Gerard Pique.

For Inter this will be their 5th European Cup Final. Inter have two wins so far in this competition from 'Grande Inter' in 1963-1964 against Real Madrid and 1964-1965 against Eusebio's Benfica. Two defeats followed, to Celtic in 1966-1967 and 1971-1972 to Ajax. Bayern await, and potentially so does a third European cup. Bayern have been dogged in this competition, but may be without Franck Ribery in the final as they attempt to shut down an Inter side that has eliminated Chelsea, CSKA and Barcelona now on their way to the worlds greatest club competition. Its too early to say 'Grande Inter' again, but May the 22nd may provide Inter the opportunity to do that again.