No, this is not just another avalanche of undeserved, harsh criticism towards Andre Onana. The former Inter Milan keeper, currently plying trade at Old Trafford, has had his ups and lows this season and shouldn’t be judged by Manchester United in such a cruel way.However, certain facts and numbers tell a story of its own. And we can’t neglect them.Inter signed Yann Sommer for just €6 million after selling André Onana to Man United for €50 million in 2023.The 36-year-old made 14 saves across the two legs vs. Barcelona (second most in UCL semifinal in the last 15 seasons) and was named MOTM in the second leg.Class 👏 pic.twitter.com/ZJdOx03Wgp— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 6, 2025 Manchester United bought Onana from Inter in 2024 after the Cameroonian’s impressive campaign between the sticks for the Nerazzurri, which saw him reaching the Champions League final. Onana’s excellent 24 appearances for the blacks and whites resulted in an impressive transfer move to England worth not less than €51,4m plus add-ons. Simone Inzaghi needed an instant replacement for the African keeper and found it in veteran Yann Sommer, 36, who joined them after a short spell at Bayern Munich. The price? “Only” €6,8m.Sure, football business is always risky and you can win and lose some, but at this point – and especially after last night’s Internazionale memorable triumph against Barcelona – it seems like Inter’s boardroom has won the lottery.From depths of hell to UCL final: before Barca, Inter’s hero Acerbi topped cancer, depression, alcoholism…Despite conceding six goals in those two games against the Catalans, Sommer is arguably one of the heroes of this tie. Without his 14 saves, seven in each game, the Serie A giants would have been battered by that sensational and potent Barcelona’s attacking line.After an excellent performance in the first leg, the Swiss custodian shone like never before in the rematch at the Guiseppe Meazza Stadium on Tuesday night. He made a couple of truly jaw-dropping saves that defy logic and the laws of physics, earning himself a Man of the Match award.HOW DID SOMMER SAVE THAT? HOW DID GARCIA NOT SCORE? pic.twitter.com/FxmGh3boJG— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) May 6, 2025 That applies mostly to two specific saves: the one in the second half when he prevented Eric Garcia from scoring a brace from a clear position and almost in front of an empty net (almost empty, as we can see), and the acrobatic fingertip save to foil Yamal in extra time.Those two standout moments perfectly encapsulate Sommer’s ability to deny incredible efforts and his attitude – never to surrender.This a well-deserved reward for his omnipresent patience and the fact he waited for his chance on the biggest stage for years, even decades. After graduating from FC Basel’s youth academy, Sommer spent four seasons at Mohamed Salah’s former side before moving to Borussia Monchengladbach.Lamine Yamal with a world-class shot, Yann Sommer with a world-class save 🤯 pic.twitter.com/IrucRsSmZG— OneFootball (@OneFootball) May 6, 2025 Ten years with the Foals were more than nice for the Swiss shot-stopper, but show us a keeper that could make such a brilliant leap from a long-standing custodian of a mediocre Bundesliga side to a Champions League icon. Sommer’s mouth-watering saves against Barcelona will inspire millions of kids worldwide to throw their knees into muddy grounds, trying to recreate that stop of Yamal’s missile.Mamma mia! Inter knock down Barca in one of the greatest-ever spectaclesAnd who knows how many new heroes will start their journey to grace. Slow, steady and patient, following Yann Sommer’s footsteps.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – SEMI FINALSTuesday Inter – Barcelona 4-3 a.e.t. (3-3)/Lautaro 21, Calhanoglou 45 pen, Acerbi 90+3, Frattesi 99 – Garcia 54, Olmo 60, Raphinha 87/Inter win 7-6 on aggregateWednesday22:00: (2.15) PSG (3.60) Arsenal (3.60)***odds are subject to change***
