A Champions League Clash Ignites: The Martinez-Acerbi Spitting Controversy
The stakes couldn’t have been higher at the San Siro. Inter Milan and Barcelona, two European football giants, collided in a Champions League semi-final that had everything: goals, drama, and yes—controversy. Tempers boiled as Inter staged a comeback in the second leg, overcoming a first-leg loss to clinch a 7-6 aggregate victory. Yet, it’s not just the football that’s got fans talking, but a flashpoint involving Inigo Martinez and Inter’s Francesco Acerbi.
Just before halftime, Inter's Hakan Calhanoglu tucked away a penalty, doubling the Italian side's lead. In the thick of celebration, Francesco Acerbi took it a step too far for many Barcelona fans—he charged up to Martinez, shouting directly in his ear. The Spanish defender snapped, reacting angrily before chaos erupted. Cameras caught what looked like Martinez spitting in Acerbi’s direction as tensions soared, with teammates rushing in and a mass scuffle kicking off right on the touchline.
Social media exploded almost instantly. Clips of the moment flooded timelines, with fans and pundits dissecting frame by frame. From one angle, it genuinely looked as if Martinez might have spat at Acerbi. Yet, the officials on the pitch didn't react—there was no red card, no immediate VAR intervention. The Barcelona defender was adamant after the game: he never spat, and if he had, he’d have been sent off on the spot. "He celebrated in my ear—my reaction was unnecessary, but at no point did I spit at him. Otherwise, I would have been sent off. I have no doubt," said Martinez in the post-match interview.
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Incidents like these are nothing new in high-pressure knockout football, especially in the Champions League. When the stakes are this high, every moment feels supercharged. For Martinez, the accusation cuts deep. His response—calling his reaction excessive but denying the act—offers a glimpse into the mental strain these matches can inflict. It’s easy to forget, with millions watching and careers on the line, how thin the line can be between controlled aggression and boiling over.
For Inter, the night ended in celebration. That 4-3 win in the second leg—coming back from a 3-1 deficit—felt heroic, especially with their place in the Champions League final secured. For Barcelona, the bitterness of the exit was only amplified by the ugly scenes just before the break. The team brawl that followed Acerbi’s provocative celebration left both sets of players agitated, but no one more than Martinez, who ended his European campaign on a sour note.
This incident, though, will linger. It shines a light on how easily emotions can boil over even for seasoned internationals like Inigo Martinez. Fans will keep debating what really happened—was it just provocation, or something more? For now, both camps move on: Inter with a ticket to the final and Barcelona with a lot to think about—not least their discipline and composure in moments when it matters most.
May, 7 2025