Inter Milan delivered a dramatic 2-1 victory in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich on April 8. The Italian side weathered an early storm of Bayern dominance, with the German giants controlling possession and England captain Harry Kane hitting the post early in the game. Despite Bayern’s early dominance, Inter capitalized on a rare attack and stunned the home crowd with a clinical finish.
Inter’s Stunning Opening Goal
Inter’s breakthrough came in the 38th minute, following a well-executed team move. Marcus Thuram flicked the ball to Lautaro Martinez, who brilliantly slotted it into the top corner using the outside of his boot. This came from Inter’s first shot on target, flipping the match on its head and giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Thomas Muller’s Equalizer Keeps Bayern’s Hopes Alive
Bayern, despite the early pressure, failed to convert their chances, allowing Inter to take control. However, in the 85th minute, Bayern’s veteran Thomas Muller came off the bench to equalize. After a precise low cross from Konrad Laimer, Muller finished from close range, leveling the score at 1-1. The goal appeared to preserve Bayern’s long-standing unbeaten home record in European competitions.
Frattesi’s Last-Gasp Winner Stuns Bayern
Inter was not content with the draw, though, and responded with a surge of urgency in the final minutes. In the 88th minute, substitute Carlos Augusto sped down the flank and delivered a pinpoint cross. Davide Frattesi, who had only recently entered the match, finished with composure to restore Inter’s lead. His goal not only gave Inter the win but also ended Bayern’s 22-match unbeaten streak at home in European competitions, dating back to 2021.
Kompany’s Confidence Despite Setback
The tie is far from over, with the second leg scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, at Inter’s San Siro Stadium. The winners of the aggregate score will meet either Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals. Bayern’s coach, Vincent Kompany, remained positive despite the loss, stressing that there was still everything to play for. “It’s only half-time. The score is 2-1. We remain fully motivated for Milan,” he said after the match. Kompany emphasized that his team believed they could turn the tie around: “We still believe. We’re confident and we’ll give everything to get it done.”
Bayern’s Missed Opportunities Prove Costly
Bayern, which entered the match as favorites, missed a series of clear chances throughout the game. Michael Olise was unlucky, first seeing a deflected shot saved and later firing a long-range effort that was stopped. Kane was also involved in the action but could not capitalize on several opportunities. He sent a looping header just wide, missed another with his head, and struck the post in a golden opportunity following a setup from Olise.
Inter’s Clinical Finishing and Swift Counterattacks
Despite Bayern’s early dominance and their push for an equalizer, Inter’s clinical finishing and swift counterattacks proved decisive. After a couple of missed chances from Bayern, including a wide shot from Raphael Guerreiro, Martinez finally broke the deadlock for Inter with his stunning first-half strike. Following Muller’s late equalizer, Frattesi’s goal came as a vital and timely response, leaving Bayern with much work to do in the second leg.
Pressure Shifts to Bayern as Inter Hold the Advantage
Although Bayern held the upper hand in possession and looked dangerous for large periods of the match, it was Inter’s efficient attacking play that gave them the edge. The 2-1 win at Allianz Arena now gives the Milan-based club a valuable advantage heading into the second leg at home. The pressure will now be on Bayern Munich to produce a comeback in the hostile environment of San Siro, where Inter will look to finish the job and secure a place in the semi-finals.
