In a thrilling Champions League quarter-final first leg, Inter Milan stunned Bayern Munich with a 2-1 victory at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night, April 8, 2025. The match saw Inter capitalize on Bayern's defensive frailties, marking the end of the Bavarians' impressive 22-game unbeaten home run in the competition.
Inter Milan made the trip to Germany with a squad that was relatively healthy compared to their opponents, who were grappling with a significant injury crisis. Coach Simone Inzaghi welcomed back key players including Lautaro Martínez, Hakan Çalhanoglu, and Marcus Thuram, while Federico Dimarco was sidelined due to injury. Inzaghi expressed optimism about his squad's readiness, stating, "Lautaro Martinez was only meant to play the first half at Parma, but played 70 minutes. He is fine and I think he will play tomorrow."
Bayern Munich, on the other hand, faced a daunting challenge, missing nine first-team players, including star forward Jamal Musiala and veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Coach Vincent Kompany was forced to adjust his tactics, opting for a 3-4-3 formation to counter Inter's threat. Despite the odds, Bayern started strong, dominating possession and creating early chances.
Michael Olise was particularly influential for Bayern, creating two significant opportunities within the first half. His clever play nearly set up Harry Kane for an early goal, but the English striker's header was saved by Inter's goalkeeper Yann Sommer. Kane later came close again, hitting the post with a side-footed shot from a tight angle. Despite Bayern's early dominance, they failed to convert their chances.
Inter weathered the storm and struck first in the 38th minute. Lautaro Martínez, who has been in sensational form this season, scored a stunning goal, curling the ball into the far corner from just inside the box after being assisted by Marcus Thuram. This marked Martínez's seventh goal in the Champions League campaign, the most by any Inter player in a single season since Samuel Eto'o in the 2010-11 season.
Bayern responded quickly, with Thomas Müller equalizing in the 85th minute, scoring his 248th goal for the club. He bundled in a low cross from Konrad Laimer, bringing the score to 1-1. However, Inter was not done yet. Just three minutes later, they struck again. A rapid counter-attack saw Carlos Augusto deliver a pinpoint cross to substitute Davide Frattesi, who finished clinically to give Inter a 2-1 lead.
As the match concluded, the Allianz Arena was left in stunned silence. Inter's disciplined performance showcased their tactical acumen and ability to capitalize on Bayern's mistakes. Inzaghi's side will now take a slender lead back to Milan for the second leg, scheduled for April 16, 2025, at the iconic San Siro.
The defeat was a bitter blow for Bayern, who had high hopes of lifting the Champions League trophy this season, especially with Thomas Müller set to depart the club after 25 years. The loss also marked Bayern's first home defeat in the Champions League since April 2021 against Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite the setback, Bayern's coach Vincent Kompany remained optimistic, stating, "We have to regroup and focus on the second leg. We know what we need to do to turn this around at home." The pressure now mounts on the Bavarians to overturn the deficit and keep their European dreams alive.
With the first leg concluded, the stage is set for a thrilling return match in Milan, where both teams will be looking to secure their place in the Champions League semi-finals. Inter will aim to defend their lead, while Bayern will be desperate to capitalize on their home advantage and avoid further disappointment.
As the Champions League excitement continues, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this high-stakes battle between two of Europe's elite clubs.
