Bayern Munich faced a challenging match against Inter Milan in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals on April 8, 2025. The Bavarians were dealt a bitter blow, losing 2-1 at home, a result that has left fans and analysts alike questioning key decisions made by head coach Vincent Kompany.
One of the most talked-about decisions was Kompany's choice to start Raphaël Guerreiro in the No. 10 position instead of the experienced Thomas Müller. This move raised eyebrows, especially given Müller's long-standing role as a pivotal player for Bayern. Guerreiro, who filled in for the sidelined Jamal Musiala due to a meniscus tear, had recently impressed with a two-goal performance against Bochum on Matchday 25. Kompany defended his decision, stating, "Rapha played in this position last time and scored two goals. And earlier in the season, he was also important and scored a few goals, it’s a position he knows."
Despite the tactical shift, Bayern Munich struggled to break through Inter's solid defense. Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring for the visitors with a stunning finish, putting the Bavarians on the back foot early in the match. However, Müller, who was brought on as a substitute, managed to equalize shortly after, showcasing his knack for being in the right place at the right time.
But the joy was short-lived for Bayern fans, as Davide Frattesi clinched the win for Inter with a late goal, leaving the final score at 2-1. This result puts Bayern in a precarious position heading into the second leg of the tie. Kompany was quick to address the decision-making process surrounding Müller's role in the match, emphasizing that it was purely a footballing decision. "We know that Thomas Müller always plays an important role for us. He came on, did well and scored a goal. He brought a good moment for us," he remarked.
The loss has sparked discussions among fans and pundits about the future of Müller at Bayern, especially with the news that he would leave the club at the end of the season. The irony of an aging star potentially being the key to Bayern's hopes in the Champions League adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. As one of the few players with substantial experience against teams like Inter, Müller’s ability to influence the game is invaluable, even as the club prepares for a transition.
Looking ahead, the upcoming second leg will be crucial for Bayern Munich. They will need to regroup and strategize effectively to overcome the deficit. The team’s reliance on Müller’s experience and goal-scoring capabilities could prove vital as they aim to secure a place in the semi-finals.
As the football world reflects on this match, the focus will undoubtedly shift to how Kompany will approach the return fixture. Will he stick with Guerreiro, or will he revert to the familiar face of Müller from the start? The stakes are high, and the pressure is on Bayern to deliver a performance worthy of their storied history in the competition.
In the meantime, fans can expect an intense build-up to the second leg, as Bayern Munich seeks to overturn the 2-1 deficit and keep their Champions League dreams alive. The narrative surrounding Thomas Müller and his pivotal role in this saga will continue to unfold, captivating audiences as the tournament progresses.
