Inter Milan secured a historic Champions League semi-final with arch-rivals AC Milan despite being held by Benfica at an ecstatic San Siro.
Leading 2-0 from the first leg in Lisbon, Inter increased their aggregate lead following Nicolo Barella's sumptuous finish before a bullet header by Fredrik Aursnes gave Benfica hope.
Argentina World Cup winner Lautaro Martinez and substitute Joaquin Correa made it 5-1 on aggregate before Benfica scored two late goals through Antonio Silva and Petar Musa.
Inter have lost four of their past five games in Serie A to drop out of the Champions League places, but Simone Inzaghi's side can now look forward to two mouth-watering matches against AC Milan - who knocked out Napoli on Tuesday - for a place in the final.
The hosts looked to be cruising when Italy midfielder Barella made it 3-0 on aggregate after creating space for himself inside the box before producing a wonderful curling finish.
But Benfica were not done and Norway midfielder Aursnes kept the tie alive with a powerful header.
The damage from the first leg was too much, however, as Martinez prodded home Federico Dimarco's cross before Correa netted two minutes after coming on.
To their credit, Benfica kept going and Silva made it 3-2 on the night before substitute Musa equalised deep into stoppage time.
However, it was not enough to stop Inter from booking their place in the semi-finals for the first time since 2010 - when they won the competition under Jose Mourinho.
Latest Stories
-
Feedback from Klopp, others more valuable than just anybody – Otto Addo to critics
7 mins -
Support us if you want to qualify for the World Cup – Otto Addo to Ghanaians
25 mins -
Defective ballot papers for Ahafo and Volta Regions destroyed by EC
28 mins -
Election 2024: Be fair and transparent – Togbe Afede to EC
34 mins -
AFCON 2025Q: Poor home form cost us – Otto Addo
42 mins -
Togbe Afede criticises recent Supreme Court rulings as uninspiring and illogical
42 mins -
GPL 2024/2025: Accra Lions remain bottom after draw against Kpando
55 mins -
NDC condemns Dela Edem’s ‘unsavoury and distasteful’ about kufuor; issues public apology
1 hour -
‘Let them burn the sea; don’t return if Parliament is recalled’ – Asiedu Nketiah to NDC MPs
1 hour -
Bawumia’s commitment to excellence will ensure Ghana fulfills its potentials – Prof. Etse Sikanku
1 hour -
Ensign Global College marks 10th anniversary with 9th congregation
2 hours -
Over 80 educational projects to be commissioned this week
5 hours -
Kuami Eugene shows leadership; mobilises fellow artistes for peace song
6 hours -
The JOY Prime Made in Ghana Fair: Why not miss it!
7 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Struggling Asante Kotoko aim to bounce back against high-flying Nations FC
7 hours