In a thrilling Champions League quarter-final encounter, Inter Milan stunned Bayern Munich with a dramatic 2-1 victory in the first leg in Germany. Despite Bayern’s early dominance, Inter capitalized on their chances, securing an edge ahead of the return leg.
Bayern’s Early Dominance Fails to Yield a Lead
Bayern Munich controlled possession from the start, with Harry Kane coming close to scoring. The England international struck the post with a curling shot in the 17th minute, nearly giving Bayern the early lead. However, despite their early pressure, Bayern was unable to break through Inter’s defense.
Inter Makes the Most of Their First Real Chance
Inter’s first real opportunity arrived in the 38th minute, and they seized it to open the scoring. A swift and precise team move saw Marcus Thuram flick the ball to Lautaro Martinez. The Argentine forward made no mistake, powering the ball into the top corner with the outside of his foot, leaving Bayern goalkeeper Yann Sommer no chance.
This goal came against the run of play, as Bayern had been controlling the tempo of the match. Inter’s clinical finish highlighted their ability to punish mistakes and take full advantage of limited opportunities.
Thomas Muller Keeps Bayern’s Hopes Alive
Bayern Munich was not down for long, and with just five minutes left in regular time, they managed to find an equalizer. Veteran striker Thomas Muller, who recently confirmed his departure after 25 years at the club, reacted quickly inside the penalty box to pounce on a low cross from Konrad Laimer. Muller’s close-range strike was enough to level the score at 1-1, briefly silencing Inter’s celebrations.
The goal appeared to preserve Bayern’s long-standing home unbeaten streak in European competitions. However, that streak was about to come to a heartbreaking end for the German giants.
Inter’s Late Surge Breaks Bayern’s Record
In the dying minutes of the match, Inter launched one final, decisive counterattack. With only two minutes remaining, Carlos Augusto raced down the left flank, delivering a pinpoint cross into the Bayern penalty area. Substitute Davide Frattesi arrived at the perfect moment to meet the ball and score, sending Inter fans into a frenzy.
Frattesi’s goal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory and ended Bayern’s 22-match unbeaten home record in the Champions League, a run that stretched back to 2021. The Italian side’s victory not only gave them a valuable advantage but also shattered Bayern’s hopes of maintaining their dominant home form.
Bayern’s Hopes Rest on the Return Leg
Despite the defeat, Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany remained optimistic about his side’s prospects. Kompany acknowledged Inter’s celebration but reminded everyone that the tie was far from over. “This is only halftime,” Kompany stated, focusing on the second leg in Milan. He emphasized that his team was motivated and ready to put on a strong performance in the return leg.
Kompany’s injury-ravaged side had included England’s Harry Kane and Eric Dier in the starting lineup, but they were unable to capitalize on several chances. Kane came close with a header and a few other attempts, but was unlucky not to score. Meanwhile, former Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise was denied by a deflected strike and another attempt that went wide.
The Road to the Semi-Finals
The tie is far from settled, and the return leg in Milan on April 16 will be a defining moment. The winner of the clash between Inter and Bayern will face either Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals.
For Inter Milan, their aim is clear: after falling short in last year’s final, they are determined to go one step further and secure their first Champions League title in over a decade. Bayern Munich, on the other hand, will be hoping for a turnaround in the second leg, with their eyes set on making it to the final on home soil at the Allianz Arena on May 31.