Bayern Munich faced a tough challenge in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Inter Milan, suffering a 2-1 defeat at home on April 8, 2025. Despite dominating the early stages of the match, the German giants were unable to capitalize on their chances, leaving coach Vincent Kompany frustrated yet optimistic about the return leg.
The match started with Bayern displaying aggressive intent, pressing high and creating several opportunities. Kompany noted that his team could have scored "one or two goals" in the opening 30 minutes. However, it was Inter who struck first, with Lautaro Martinez finding the net in the 38th minute, putting the visitors ahead just before halftime.
After the break, Bayern continued to push for an equalizer, and their efforts paid off when veteran forward Thomas Muller, who was brought on as a substitute in the 74th minute, found the back of the net. His goal momentarily lifted the spirits of the home crowd, but the joy was short-lived. Just minutes later, Inter responded with a swift counterattack, culminating in Davide Frattesi scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute.
Reflecting on the match, Kompany expressed his disappointment at the result but highlighted the positives from his team's performance. "We started the match well, we dominated the game in the first 30 minutes and could have scored one or two goals, maybe even more," he said. "In the second half, we were dominant, we created chances, but in the end, we know Thomas always plays an important role. When he came on, he found the equaliser. We prepared ourselves as best as possible for this match, and every decision was based on football reasons."
Kompany also addressed the injury woes that have plagued his squad, stating, "I don’t want to always talk about injuries, but we have five or six. I had these players available and made the substitutions thinking about the return leg as well. Kim had a yellow card, and that’s an aspect to consider." The coach emphasized the importance of every player in achieving the team's goals, noting that Guerreiro, who filled in for the absent Jamal Musiala, performed well.
Despite the setback, Kompany remains confident about his team's prospects in the second leg at San Siro. "Today, when we had to do it, we didn’t give much away to the opponent. We could have scored more early on, but this gives us hope when thinking about Milan. There are moments when you lose focus, and they took advantage of one. We lost 2-1, and I can’t change that result, but it wouldn’t be right to think that this 2-1 was due to our inability to win this match, that’s not what happened tonight. The result says Inter, we’ll see next week," he added.
The defeat marked Bayern's first home loss in 22 Champions League matches, a streak that dates back to 2021. Kompany's side currently sits six points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, but they will face a significant test against domestic rivals Borussia Dortmund on April 12, 2025, before the critical return leg against Inter on April 16, 2025.
As Bayern prepares for the upcoming fixtures, the absence of key players such as Manuel Neuer, Alphonso Davies, and Jamal Musiala due to injuries remains a concern. Kompany, however, has faith in the squad's depth and the ability of the remaining players to step up. "The available players will give their best, those who will go on the field have always trained at the top and will make their contribution. I have faith in these players, I don't want to complain and I don't want to change our goal or my strategies. Those who play are 100% and it means that they have my trust," he said.
In a twist of fate, Muller, a fan favorite and club legend, announced that he would leave Bayern at the end of the season, a decision that has stirred emotions among supporters. Kompany acknowledged the significance of Muller’s career but kept his focus on the challenges ahead. "The most important thing is the preparation for the match against Inter, this decision must be respected. The career of a legend like him is so great and you have to show respect, it’s a big theme but in the end my role is to prepare us for the next game," he stated.
With the first leg now behind them, Bayern Munich's eyes are firmly set on the return match in Milan. The team is determined to overturn the deficit and secure a spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League. As Kompany said, "Inter's ahead, but we need to win in Milan. Results aren't always fair, but it's half-time. We were confident and it's a shame Inter scored this late goal, but we'll have the chance again in Milan, that's how we feel. We're fully believing in our chances in Milan." The stage is set for an exciting second leg, and fans will be eagerly awaiting to see if Bayern can bounce back and keep their Champions League dream alive.
