Silke Mayr Inter Milan secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal at Allianz Arena, strengthening their position to reach the semifinals. The Bundesliga leaders started strong, but it was Inter’s clinical finishing that ultimately defined the match.
Bayern Starts Strong, But Inter Takes Control
Bayern Munich came out of the gates on the front foot, dominating possession early in the match. England striker Harry Kane nearly put Bayern ahead in the 10th minute, striking the right-hand post with a curling shot from the edge of the box. Despite Bayern’s early pressure, Inter remained resilient and took their chance when it arrived.
In the 38th minute, a flowing attacking move saw Marcus Thuram leap to flick a header perfectly to Lautaro Martinez. The Argentine forward showed his class, using the outside of his boot to fire a powerful shot into the top corner, giving Inter a 1-0 lead with their first shot on target.
Muller Responds, but Frattesi Seals the Win
Bayern Munich was not without hope and equalized in the 85th minute. Veteran substitute Thomas Muller tapped in from close range after a low cross by Konrad Laimer. The goal briefly revived Bayern’s chances, with the home crowd roaring in support.
However, Inter responded swiftly. Just two minutes later, they launched a counterattack down the left wing. Carlos Augusto provided a pinpoint cross that fellow substitute Davide Frattesi latched onto and coolly finished, extending Inter’s lead to 2-1.
Frattesi’s strike handed Inter a decisive advantage in the tie, ending Bayern’s impressive 22-match unbeaten streak at home in the Champions League. With just one goal separating the teams, the second leg at the San Siro in Milan on April 16 promises to be an exciting encounter.
Kompany Optimistic Despite Defeat
Bayern Munich’s head coach Vincent Kompany remained positive despite the loss. After the match, Kompany acknowledged the significance of the defeat but emphasized that the tie was far from over. He expressed belief that his squad would remain focused and motivated heading into the second leg, saying, “We will give everything to secure a comeback and reach the final in our own stadium.”
Kompany, who took over as Bayern’s coach this season, stressed that the tie was only “at halftime” and that his team still had a chance to turn things around in Milan.
Bayern Missed Key Opportunities
Bayern Munich had several chances to take control of the match, especially early on. In addition to Kane’s effort that hit the post, Michael Olise also had a powerful long-range shot saved by Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana. Kane missed a header from close range, and Raphael Guerreiro fired wide, all of which could have changed the course of the game.
Despite the missed chances, Inter’s defense stood firm, and Martinez’s composed finish further demonstrated the clinical edge the Italian side displayed throughout the game.
With Inter’s 2-1 victory, they head to the second leg at the San Siro with the advantage. The outcome of this thrilling quarterfinal will determine whether Inter or Bayern will progress to the semifinals, where they will face either Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund.