Inter Milan stunned Bayern Munich with a last-minute goal to claim a 2-1 victory in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.
The Italian side took a significant step toward the semi-finals, setting up a tense return leg at San Siro on April 16.
Lineups
Inter Milan: Yann Sommer, Matteo Darmian, Alessandro Bastoni, Stefan de Vrij, Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco, Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram.
Bayern Munich: Manuel Neuer, Alphonso Davies, Matthijs de Ligt, Eric Dier, Konrad Laimer, Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich, Leroy Sané, Michael Olise, Harry Kane, Vinícius Jr.
How the Match Unfolded
Bayern controlled the opening half hour, creating chances but failing to convert. Harry Kane came closest, curling a shot against the right-hand post in the 25th minute.
Despite Bayern’s early pressure, Inter struck first. In the 38th minute, Marcus Thuram flicked the ball into the path of Lautaro Martinez, who fired a sublime finish into the top of the net.
Bayern found their equalizer in the 85th minute. Veteran Thomas Müller, who recently announced he would be leaving Bayern after 25 years, pounced on Konrad Laimer’s low cross to level the match.
Just when Bayern seemed to have rescued a draw, Inter responded immediately. In the 88th minute, Carlos Augusto delivered a precise cross, and substitute Davide Frattesi converted to hand Inter a dramatic late victory.
Post-Match Analysis
Inter showcased clinical finishing, punishing Bayern despite having fewer scoring opportunities. Their defensive discipline and counterattacks proved decisive, while Yann Sommer made crucial saves to deny Bayern further goals.
Bayern’s missed chances were costly. Michael Olise came close with a deflected effort, while Kane saw two headers miss the target and his curled shot bounce off the post. The German side must now overcome a deficit in the second leg.
What the Coaches Said
Inter manager Simone Inzaghi hailed his team’s composure. “We knew Bayern would attack relentlessly, but our discipline and finishing gave us the advantage we wanted.”
Bayern boss Vincent Kompany remained hopeful. “It’s only half-time in the tie. We believe we can win in Milan and turn this around.”
Player of the Match
Lautaro Martinez was Inter’s standout performer, scoring a sublime opening goal and playing a vital role in their attacking movement.
What Next?
The second leg takes place at San Siro on April 16, 2025, with Inter holding a 2-1 lead. The winner will face either Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals.
Bayern will need at least two goals to overturn the deficit and keep their Champions League hopes alive.
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