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17 April 2025

Inter Milan Advances To Champions League Semis After Draw

Bayern Munich eliminated despite strong performance in second leg

In a thrilling encounter in Milan, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich battled to a 2-2 draw in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals on April 17, 2025. Despite the draw, Inter advanced to the semi-finals with a 4-3 aggregate score, marking their return to the last four for the first time since the 2022-23 season.

The match started explosively, with Bayern's Harry Kane netting the opener just six minutes in, setting the tone for a high-stakes clash. Kane's goal came after a swift build-up, showcasing Bayern's attacking prowess early on. Inter, however, quickly responded with determination, showcasing their resilience and tactical acumen.

As the match progressed, Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez equalized in the 58th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Bayern. The Argentine striker has been in fine form, and his goal was crucial in shifting the momentum back to Inter. Moments later, Benjamin Pavard struck again for Inter, giving them a 2-1 lead in the 63rd minute after a well-executed corner that caught the Bayern defense off guard.

Bayern Munich, facing elimination, pushed hard for an equalizer. Their efforts bore fruit when Alphonso Davies found the back of the net, leveling the score at 2-2. This goal injected fresh hope into the Bayern camp, but despite their relentless pressure, they could not find a way past Inter's formidable defense.

Inter's goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, was instrumental in securing their progression, making several key saves, including a crucial stop against Thomas Müller in the dying moments of the game. Sommer's performance highlighted Inter's solid defensive organization, which has been a cornerstone of their success this season.

Throughout the match, both teams displayed moments of brilliance, but it was Inter's ability to capitalize on their chances that ultimately made the difference. Bayern's lineup included Ulreich, Laimer, de Ligt, Kim Min-jae, Stanišić, Kimmich, Goretzka, Musiala, Sané, Gnabry, and Kane, while Inter featured Sommer, Bastoni, Acerbi, Pavard, Dimarco, Mkhitaryan, Çalhanoğlu, Barella, Dumfries, Thuram, and Martinez.

Despite their valiant efforts, Bayern Munich's exit marks a disappointing end to their Champions League campaign, having previously lost the first leg 1-2 at home. Coach Thomas Tuchel expressed his frustration post-match, stating, "We gave it our all and fought until the end, but we just couldn't find that final touch to secure our place in the semi-finals."

On the other hand, Inter Milan's coach Simone Inzaghi was elated with the result, praising his team's spirit and tenacity. "We showed great character and determination today. This is a significant achievement for us, and we will look to build on this momentum in the semi-finals," Inzaghi remarked.

As the Champions League progresses, Inter Milan will be looking to capitalize on their success and continue their pursuit of European glory. The draw against Bayern serves as a testament to their growth as a team and their ability to compete at the highest level.

Meanwhile, Arsenal also celebrated their advancement to the semi-finals after defeating Real Madrid 2-1 in their second leg, securing a 5-1 aggregate victory. This victory further emphasizes the competitive nature of this year’s Champions League, with traditional powerhouses battling fiercely for the prestigious trophy.

As the tournament heads into the semi-finals, fans are eagerly anticipating the matchups that will unfold. With teams like Inter Milan and Arsenal showing their mettle, the path to the Champions League title is wide open, promising thrilling encounters ahead.

The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the Champions League, with the semi-finals poised to deliver unforgettable moments as clubs vie for European supremacy.