In a thrilling encounter at the San Siro, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich played to a dramatic 2-2 draw in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on April 16, 2025. Despite the draw, Inter Milan advanced to the semi-finals with a 4-3 aggregate victory, showcasing their resilience against a formidable Bayern side.
The match kicked off with both teams eager to assert their dominance, but it was Bayern's Harry Kane who struck first. Just seven minutes into the second half, Kane received a pass from Leon Goretzka inside the box and executed a brilliant finish, drilling the ball between the legs of Federico Dimarco and into the far corner of the net. This goal marked Kane's 35th of the season and his 11th in the Champions League campaign, solidifying his status as the Englishman with the most goals scored against different opponents in the competition, now totaling 21 teams.
However, the lead was short-lived. Inter's Lautaro Martínez equalized in the 58th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Joshua Kimmich. After a failed clearance, Martínez pounced on the loose ball, poking it home from close range to level the match at 1-1 and put Inter back in front on aggregate.
Just three minutes later, Benjamin Pavard, who joined Inter from Bayern in August 2023, headed home from a corner delivered by Hakan Çalhanoglu, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. With this goal, Inter took a commanding 2-1 lead on the night and extended their aggregate advantage to 4-2, putting them on the brink of advancing.
Bayern Munich, however, refused to go quietly. In the 76th minute, Eric Dier found the net with a looping header, marking his first goal for the club since transferring from Tottenham Hotspur. This goal brought Bayern back to 2-2 on the night, igniting hopes of a comeback as they needed just one more goal to turn the tie in their favor.
As the match entered the final minutes, the tension escalated. Both teams had chances to score, but Inter's defense held firm, demonstrating why they are considered one of the best defensive units in Europe. Despite a frantic finish, Bayern could not find the crucial third goal, and the match ended in a draw.
With the final whistle, Inter Milan celebrated their progression to the semi-finals for the second time in three seasons, having reached the final four previously in the 2022/23 season when they finished as runners-up to Manchester City. They will now face Barcelona, who defeated Borussia Dortmund 5-3 on aggregate in their quarter-final.
For Bayern Munich, the exit from the Champions League is a bitter disappointment, especially for star striker Harry Kane, who has been a standout performer this season. Despite his individual accolades and impressive scoring record, including leading all players in Europe's top five leagues with 79 goals across all competitions, Kane's wait for a major trophy continues.
Looking ahead, Bayern remains focused on the Bundesliga, where they currently sit six points clear of defending champions Bayer Leverkusen with five matches remaining. Their next challenge comes against FC Heidenheim, a match that will be crucial as they aim to reclaim the league title.
The match at the San Siro was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, with Inter proving their mettle against a seasoned Bayern side. As the Champions League progresses, all eyes will be on Inter as they seek to replicate their historic treble-winning season of 2010.
