In a thrilling encounter on April 8, 2025, Inter Milan secured a remarkable 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash at the Allianz Arena. The match showcased not only the resilience of the Italian side but also highlighted the struggles of the Bavarians, who dominated possession but ultimately fell short due to critical mistakes.
Inter Milan's head coach, Luciano Spalletti, expressed his satisfaction with the performance of his Italian players, who played a pivotal role in the win. Despite the absence of wingback Federico Dimarco, who is still recovering from a fitness issue, the Nerazzurri featured four Italian internationals in their starting lineup, showcasing the depth of talent within the squad.
Alessandro Bastoni, one of the standout performers, was awarded UEFA's "MVP" for the match, demonstrating his importance to both Inter and the Italian national team. His defensive prowess was crucial in thwarting Bayern's attacks, and he, along with fellow defenders Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Darmian, proved that they still have much to offer at the highest level of competition.
The match was not without its drama, as Bayern Munich created numerous chances but failed to convert. The Bavarians had an expected goals (xG) tally of 3.18, indicating their dominance in the attacking third. However, individual errors proved costly. Harry Kane, who has been a key player for Bayern, had a night to forget, missing several golden opportunities that could have changed the outcome of the match.
Additionally, defensive lapses from Sacha Boey and Leon Goretzka allowed Inter to capitalize on a late attack, leading to Davide Frattesi's decisive goal. The former Sassuolo midfielder, who came off the bench, displayed his match-winning quality, confirming his place in the Italy setup despite not always being a starter for Inter.
As the game progressed, Bayern's frustrations mounted. Eric Dier's positioning error allowed Inter to exploit the situation, leading to Frattesi's late strike that sealed the victory for the visitors. The loss has raised questions about Bayern's tactical decisions, particularly those made by head coach Vincent Kompany, who faced criticism for his lineup choices.
Thomas Müller, a veteran presence on the pitch, was notably impactful, and many believe he should have started the match. His performance disproved doubts about his ability to deliver in crucial moments, as he nearly found the back of the net on several occasions. The author of a post-match analysis emphasized the need for Kompany to reassess his strategies moving forward, especially with a crucial Bundesliga clash against Borussia Dortmund approaching and the return leg against Inter on the horizon.
This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of football, where even dominant performances can lead to disappointing results if not capitalized upon. As Inter Milan celebrates their victory, Bayern Munich must regroup and address the issues that plagued them in this encounter.
Looking ahead, the return leg in Milan promises to be an intense affair, with both teams eager to secure their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Inter will look to build on their momentum, while Bayern will aim to rectify their mistakes and bounce back stronger. The stakes have never been higher, and fans can expect a thrilling continuation of this high-profile tie.
