In a thrilling encounter at the Allianz Arena, Inter Milan secured a vital 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on April 8, 2025. The match showcased not only the attacking prowess of the Nerazzurri but also their resilience in a high-stakes atmosphere.
The game began with Bayern Munich showing their intent early on, as Harry Kane struck the post in the 26th minute, narrowly missing the chance to give the hosts an early lead. However, it was Inter who broke the deadlock in the 38th minute, thanks to a stunning goal from captain Lautaro Martinez. The move initiated by goalkeeper Yann Sommer saw Carlos Augusto send a precise ball to Marcus Thuram, who back-heeled it into the path of Martinez. The Argentine striker then executed a remarkable finish with the outside of his right boot, finding the top corner of the net.
Martinez’s goal was not just a highlight of the match but also marked his seventh goal in this season's Champions League, making him the first Inter player to reach that tally since Samuel Eto'o. After a VAR check confirmed the goal, the visitors took a 1-0 lead into halftime, leaving Bayern to regroup.
As the second half unfolded, Bayern Munich ramped up their efforts to equalize, with Vincent Kompany's side pushing forward aggressively. Despite their pressure, Inter’s defense, led by the impressive Alessandro Bastoni, held firm against the relentless attacks from the German giants. The home side finally found their equalizer in the 85th minute when Thomas Muller, who had just come on as a substitute, tapped in a cross from Konrad Laimer, making it 1-1.
However, the drama was far from over. Just three minutes later, in a swift counter-attack, Inter struck again. Carlos Augusto provided a brilliant cross that Davide Frattesi met with a close-range finish, sealing the victory for the Italian side at 2-1. This late goal sent the travelling fans into raptures, as it put Inter in a strong position heading into the second leg.
“It’s a win that comes after the draw in Parma — we needed to prove something,” Lautaro Martinez stated after the match. “We talked a lot; we know we didn’t play well in Parma. If we want to win, we have to leave that behind and take today’s performance as an example.”
Inter's coach Simone Inzaghi praised his team's performance, highlighting their character and quality against a formidable opponent. “We must congratulate the lads. It is certainly a top-level result that makes us happy,” Inzaghi remarked. “We also deserve credit for believing in the victory to the final minute, despite conceding a goal a few moments earlier.”
On the other hand, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany expressed disappointment at the missed opportunities, particularly in the first half. “We had the chances to score more than once tonight – two or three, or even more,” Kompany said. “We know they have quality up front; it’s never unthreatening, but we were more dangerous and we had chances.”
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, the stage is set for the return leg at San Siro on April 16, 2025. Inter Milan will look to defend their slim advantage while Bayern Munich will aim to overturn the deficit in front of their home fans. With both teams boasting star-studded lineups and a rich history in European competitions, the upcoming clash promises to be an exhilarating showdown.
Key statistics from the match reveal that Inter have scored first in nine of their last ten UEFA Champions League matches, and this victory marks their ninth win in the last ten matches in the competition. In contrast, Bayern’s impressive home record of 22 matches without a loss in the Champions League was brought to an end by Inter, who became the first team to win at Bayern since Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
As for the player ratings, Lautaro Martinez stood out with an 8.4/10 performance, earning him the title of Player of the Match. His ability to convert chances under pressure was crucial for Inter, and his leadership on the pitch was evident throughout the match. Meanwhile, Bayern's Harry Kane, despite hitting the post, received a solid rating of 7.5/10 for his efforts.
The anticipation builds for the second leg, where both teams will look to capitalize on their strengths and exploit their opponent's weaknesses. With a Champions League semi-final spot on the line, fans can expect nothing less than a fiercely contested battle as Inter Milan and Bayern Munich clash once again.
