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17 April 2025

Bayern Munich Exits Champions League After Dramatic Draw

Thomas Muller reflects on a bittersweet farewell as Bayern falls short against Inter Milan

The UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan took place on April 16, 2025, at the iconic San Siro stadium. The match was a thrilling encounter that left fans on the edge of their seats as both teams fought for a place in the semi-finals. Bayern Munich, having lost the first leg 2-1 at home, needed a strong performance to overturn the deficit.

In front of a raucous crowd, Bayern struck first when Harry Kane found the back of the net in the 52nd minute, giving the German side a glimmer of hope. However, Inter Milan, known for their solid defense, quickly responded, capitalizing on two set pieces to take the lead. The tension mounted as the match progressed, with both teams creating chances and the stakes higher than ever.

As the clock ticked down, Bayern's Serge Gnabry delivered a pinpoint cross to Eric Dier, who headed the ball home in the 76th minute, leveling the match at 2-2. Despite their efforts, Bayern could not find the winning goal, and the match ended in a draw. On aggregate, Bayern Munich fell short, losing 4-3 over the two legs, marking their second consecutive exit from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.

After the match, Thomas Muller, the veteran forward, expressed his disappointment. "Of course, I’m disappointed. There’s room for discussion about the goals we conceded, but we faced the best team in Italy. They had only conceded two goals before this round," Muller said, reflecting on the quality of their opponents. He continued, "I think we were superior in the first 15 minutes today. We had clear chances that we should have scored. Their defense was solid, and the second goal we conceded in the first leg was significant. They always counterattack. When we equalized in the first leg and again today, it was even, but in the end, Inter outperformed us and progressed. Football is like that. If you give your all, you have to accept any result."

This match was particularly poignant for Muller, as it marked his last Champions League appearance with Bayern Munich. He reached a milestone of 163 Champions League appearances, tying him with Lionel Messi for third place in all-time appearances. "The final is being held in Munich, and it’s a tough result for everyone. We gave our best, but the Champions League didn’t grant our wishes," Muller added, highlighting the bittersweet nature of his farewell to the club in such a significant competition.

Meanwhile, the Champions League semi-final draw has set the stage for exciting matchups, featuring clubs from four different countries. As teams prepare for the next round, fans are eager to see if any surprises await in the upcoming fixtures.

On another note, the ongoing discussions surrounding the ski jump scandal have sent shockwaves through the sports community. Allegations of cheating have surfaced, with insiders claiming that many involved are guilty, yet this time, the situation has escalated to an unprecedented level. The scandal has raised questions about the integrity of the sport and how such practices could have gone unnoticed for so long.

In the world of shogi, AI has taken center stage, with reigning champion Sota Fujii showcasing exceptional skills that have raised eyebrows and sparked debates about the future of the game. His ability to solve complex endgame problems has led to discussions about the depth of research and preparation that goes into modern shogi.

As the sports world grapples with these developments, the focus remains on the upcoming matches and how teams will respond to the challenges ahead. With the Champions League semi-finals looming, fans are sure to be treated to more high-stakes drama and unforgettable moments.

In conclusion, the Champions League quarter-finals have once again provided thrilling football, with Bayern Munich's exit leaving a mark on the tournament. As teams gear up for the next round, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to this season's Champions League.