Inter Milan welcomes Bayern Munich to the San Siro on Wednesday night for the decisive second leg of their Champions League quarter-final, holding a slender one-goal edge after a dramatic 2-1 win in Bavaria. In the first leg, Bayern were left ruing missed opportunities, none bigger than Harry Kane striking the post, before Lautaro Martinez punished them at the other end with a sensational trivela finish from a Marcus Thuram assist. Though Thomas Muller pulled the hosts level in the 85th minute, Davide Frattesi capped off a flowing Inter move minutes later, handing the Italian giants a late and crucial away victory.
As the teams prepare to clash once again, the stakes couldn't be higher. The winner of this tie will face Barcelona in the semi-finals, and both teams are eager to prove their mettle on this grand stage. Kickoff is set for 20:00 UK time (19:00 GMT) at the iconic San Siro Stadium, where fans will be treated to a thrilling encounter.
Inter Milan comes into this match in buoyant form, fresh off a commanding 3-1 league win over Cagliari that kept them at the top of Serie A. Coach Simone Inzaghi has opted for continuity in his lineup, with Federico Dimarco returning to the starting XI after shaking off an injury. Dimarco replaces Carlos Augusto on the left flank, joining Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram in a formidable attacking trio. However, Inter will need to tread carefully as several key players, including Martinez, Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolò Barella, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Benjamin Pavard, are one yellow card away from suspension for the semi-finals.
On the other side, Bayern Munich, managed by Vincent Kompany, faces a challenging situation. They are missing several crucial players, including captain Manuel Neuer, Jamal Musiala, Dayot Upamecano, Alphonso Davies, and Hiroki Ito. Despite these absences, Bayern boasts a wealth of talent, with Harry Kane leading the line, supported by Thomas Muller and Michael Olise. Kompany has made one change from the first leg, bringing in Muller to start instead of Raphael Guerreiro, hoping to spark a revival in the team's fortunes.
The last time these two teams met in the Champions League, it was in the final 15 years ago when Inter, under the management of Jose Mourinho, lifted the trophy. Now, they have a golden opportunity to do so again after beating the Germans at their home ground in the first leg. The history between these clubs adds an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup.
Bayern Munich has a strong record against Inter at the San Siro, having won all four of their previous encounters at this venue, including three in the Champions League without conceding a goal. However, Inter's recent form and their ability to withstand Bayern's attacking pressure could prove pivotal in this second leg.
As the match unfolds, Bayern will look to assert their dominance early on. In the first half of the first leg, they controlled possession but struggled to convert their chances. Kane, who has been a consistent threat this season, will need to find his scoring touch if Bayern hopes to overturn the deficit. Meanwhile, Inter's defense, led by Francesco Acerbi, will be tasked with neutralizing Kane's impact while maintaining their own attacking threat.
The match is set to kick off at 20:00 BST, giving fans across the globe ample opportunity to tune in. For those in the United States, the game will be available to stream live on Paramount+, which has exclusive English-language broadcast rights for the UEFA Champions League. In the UK, TNT Sports will showcase the match, while Canadian viewers can catch it on DAZN. Fans in Ireland can enjoy the action for free on Virgin Media 2, with streaming available on Virgin Media Play.
As anticipation builds, both teams are aware of the enormity of the task ahead. Bayern, despite their struggles, remain a formidable opponent, and their attacking prowess could prove decisive. Conversely, Inter will be looking to capitalize on their lead and secure their place in the semi-finals.
With a blend of tactical acumen, individual brilliance, and the electric atmosphere of the San Siro, this Champions League clash promises to be a spectacle. As both teams take to the pitch, the question remains: who will emerge victorious and secure a coveted spot in the semi-finals?
As the players enter the field, the excitement is palpable. The Champions League anthem echoes through the stadium, and fans prepare for what could be a historic night. With everything on the line, both Inter and Bayern are ready to leave it all on the pitch.
Stay tuned for live updates as the match progresses, and witness the drama unfold in this high-stakes encounter. Will Inter hold onto their lead, or can Bayern mount a comeback to keep their Champions League dreams alive?
