MILAN, ITALY - MAY 06: Referee Szymon Marciniak approaches Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale as he is held back by Pedri of FC Barcelona whilst gesturing during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Barcelona at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY - MAY 06: Referee Szymon Marciniak approaches Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale as he is held back by Pedri of FC Barcelona whilst gesturing during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Barcelona at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez insists he did not spit at Francesco Acerbi, but admits his reaction was ‘unnecessary’ even if the Inter centre-back ‘celebrated in my ear.’
Inter secured access to the Champions League Final on Tuesday after an epic 4-3 win against Barcelona at San Siro.
Tension erupted in the first half seconds after Hakan Calhanoglu’s second goal for the Nerazzurri, as Acerbi confronted Iñigo Martínez on the pitch.
Inigo Martinez denies spitting at Acerbi
epa12078776 FC Inter's Francesco Acerbi (C) celebrates with his teammates after scoring the 3-3 goal during the UEFA Champions League semifinal 2nd leg soccer match between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona, in Milan, Italy, 06 May 2025. EPA-EFE/DANIEL DAL ZENNARO
epa12078776 FC Inter’s Francesco Acerbi (C) celebrates with his teammates after scoring the 3-3 goal during the UEFA Champions League semifinal 2nd leg soccer match between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona, in Milan, Italy, 06 May 2025. EPA-EFE/DANIEL DAL ZENNARO
A viral video on social media appeared to show that the Barcelona defender spat at his opponent, but Martinez denied it.
“Simply, he celebrated in my ear, and my reaction was unnecessary,” the Spaniard said in the mixed zone after the game.
“At no point did I spit at him. Otherwise, I would have been sent off. I have no doubt.”
‼️ IÑIGO MARTÍNEZ EXPLICA su encontronazo con ACERBI:
❌ “En ningún momento le tiro el escupitajo a él, si no me hubieran expulsado”.
🎙️ @10JoseAlvarez pic.twitter.com/f35fx1w2h2
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) May 6, 2025
Acerbi scored a massive equaliser in the dying minutes, allowing Inter to go to extra time. Davide Frattesi sealed the win in extra time.
Inter have qualified for the Champions League Final for the second time in three years and will meet the winner of PSG-Arsenal in Munich on May 31.
Inter vs Barcelona reactions
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi said: “We must compliment Barcelona too, because they are truly a strong opponent.
“It required a super Inter, so I praise my lads for putting in two incredible performances over the two legs. It was the only way to reach the Final, I am so proud to be their coach, as they gave it everything and those who came off the bench had the right attitude too.”
Click here for Inzaghi’s full post-match reaction.
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