Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League in frustrating circumstances as Inter Milan advanced to the final by winning 3-2 on aggregate.

Barcelona knew at the start that they would need a minimum 2-0 victory to advance after the first leg ended in defeat by three goals to one. They started with tremendous urgency, and this pattern would continue throughout the game as Inter barely had an opportunity on goal.

However, Inter's defensive tactics proved tough to break down and Barcelona's endeavour was often in vain. Lionel Messi was a central figure and dropped back to midfield often as he tried to take the game by the horns. Fellow countryman Esteban Cambiasso marshaled Messi superbly throughout and he struggled to breach an often 6-man or more defense.

Messi had one terrific shot in the first half which was somehow turned around the post by Julio Cesar. A key moment was the dismissal of Thiago Motta on the 28th minute, receiving his second yellow card.

Barcelona ran out of ideas and in the second half their frustration was beginning to show. However, star defender Pique gave light to the finale by scoring a terrific goal, rounding defending and keeper like a cultured striker. Bojan put the ball in the net for a second in injury time, however the goal was disallowed for an earlier handball. It was a disappointing result for Barcelona and they will hope to make amends in next year's competition.