In a thrilling encounter at the Fußball Arena München, Inter Milan secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on April 8, 2025. The Italian side showcased their resilience and tactical prowess, effectively silencing the home crowd with a performance that combined defensive solidity and opportunistic counterattacks.
The match began with Bayern Munich displaying their characteristic attacking intent. Within the first few minutes, Michael Olise came close to opening the scoring, his shot narrowly grazing the post. As the first half progressed, Bayern continued to press, but they faced a well-organized Inter defense that absorbed pressure with ease.
Harry Kane, who has been a crucial player for Bayern this season, had a golden opportunity to score but instead hit the post, leaving fans in disbelief. The English forward's struggles were compounded by a strong performance from Inter's goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, who made a vital save against Joshua Kimmich shortly after.
As the first half approached its climax, Inter began to find their rhythm. A well-timed move led to Lautaro Martínez scoring a stunning goal in the 38th minute. Following a clever back-heel from Marcus Thuram, Lautaro struck with precision, sending the ball past Jonas Urbig to give Inter a 1-0 lead just before the break.
The second half saw Bayern come out with renewed vigor, determined to level the score. They dominated possession and created several chances, but Inter's defense remained resolute. Thomas Müller, who was brought on as a substitute, finally broke through in the 85th minute, equalizing for Bayern and giving the home side a glimmer of hope.
However, just when it seemed that Bayern might snatch a late victory, Inter struck again. In the 88th minute, a swift counterattack culminated in Davide Frattesi scoring the decisive goal, restoring Inter's lead to 2-1. The Italian side capitalized on a moment of defensive disarray from Bayern, silencing the Allianz Arena.
The match ended with Inter taking a vital advantage into the second leg, scheduled to be played in Milan on April 16, 2025. This win not only boosts Inter's confidence but also places them in a strong position to advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Alessandro Bastoni was named PlayStation Player of the Match for his commanding presence in defense, making crucial interceptions and contributing to Inter's tactical discipline throughout the match.
As both teams prepare for the return leg, Bayern will need to regroup and address their finishing woes, particularly Harry Kane's missed opportunities. With the stakes higher than ever, the next encounter promises to be a thrilling showdown between two of Europe's elite clubs.
