In a thrilling UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich battled to a 2-2 draw at the iconic San Siro on April 16, 2025. However, it was Inter who advanced to the semi-finals with a 4-3 aggregate score after their impressive 2-1 victory in the first leg at Allianz Arena last week.
Inter Milan's head coach, Simone Inzaghi, made a pivotal decision to start Federico Dimarco on the left wing, marking his return from injury. This strategic choice added depth to Inter’s attacking options, as they looked to secure their place in the next round of the prestigious tournament. The match kicked off at 21:00 CET, with a vibrant atmosphere in the stadium as fans gathered to witness this historic clash.
Inter came into the match with a slight edge after their first-leg win, but they knew they could not afford to underestimate a Bayern side that had been known for its resilience and attacking prowess. The starting lineup for Inter featured Yann Sommer in goal, with a defensive trio of Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi, and Alessandro Bastoni. Matteo Darmian held the right-wingback position, while Dimarco took the left flank. In midfield, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan formed a formidable trio, with Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram leading the attack.
Bayern Munich, coached by Vincent Kompany, fielded a strong team despite injuries to key players like Manuel Neuer and Dayot Upamecano. Their formation included Harry Kane spearheading the attack, supported by Leroy Sané, Thomas Müller, and Michael Olise in a 4-2-3-1 setup. The visitors aimed to capitalize on their home advantage early in the match.
The first half saw Bayern come out with intensity, dominating possession and creating several chances. In the 52nd minute, Harry Kane broke the deadlock, scoring a brilliant goal that put Bayern ahead 1-0 and breathed life into their hopes of a comeback. However, Inter responded swiftly, with Lautaro Martinez leveling the score just six minutes later, cleaning up a loose ball in the box to make it 1-1.
As the match progressed, Inter's efficiency in the final third became evident. In the 61st minute, Benjamin Pavard scored a powerful header from a corner kick, giving Inter a 2-1 lead and pushing their aggregate advantage to 4-2. The San Siro erupted with joy as the home side took control of the game.
Despite trailing, Bayern Munich refused to back down. In a dramatic turn of events, Eric Dier scored a stunning header in the 76th minute, tying the match at 2-2. This goal reignited Bayern's hopes of advancing, but time was running out. With their backs against the wall, Bayern pushed forward in search of a third goal, but Inter’s defense held firm, clearing any threats that came their way.
Substitutions played a crucial role in the match's final stages. Inter brought on Davide Frattesi and Yann Bisseck in the 87th minute, while Bayern introduced Kingsley Coman and Aleksandar Pavlović in a bid to find a late winner. However, the match ended in a stalemate, with Bayern unable to find the elusive goal they needed to advance.
As the final whistle blew, it was clear that Inter Milan had secured their place in the semi-finals, marking a significant achievement for the club. They now turn their attention to the next round, where they will face a formidable opponent as they chase European glory.
In the aftermath of the match, coach Simone Inzaghi praised his team's performance, stating, "We showed great character and resilience. The players executed the game plan perfectly, and I am proud of their efforts." Meanwhile, Bayern Munich's focus will now shift back to the Bundesliga, where they currently lead the table with a six-point advantage over Bayer Leverkusen.
This clash marked the first time these two giants faced each other in the Champions League quarter-finals, adding another chapter to their storied rivalry. Historically, Bayern holds a slight edge with five wins against Inter's three in previous encounters, but tonight’s result showcased Inter's growth and determination on the European stage.
As both teams look ahead, the excitement of the Champions League continues, with Inter Milan now among the final four teams vying for the coveted trophy. Fans around the world will be eagerly watching as the tournament progresses, hoping for more thrilling matches like this one.
In summary, Inter Milan's tactical prowess and ability to capitalize on set pieces proved decisive in this encounter, allowing them to advance to the semi-finals with a 4-3 aggregate score over Bayern Munich.
