Inter Milan Snatch Dramatic Late Win at Bayern to Take Control of Champions League Quarter-Final
Inter Milan grabbed a crucial late winner to secure a 2-1 first-leg victory over Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final tie, putting themselves in a strong position to reach the semi-finals.
The match, played at Bayern’s Allianz Arena, saw the German hosts dominate early proceedings. England captain Harry Kane was particularly dangerous in the opening half-hour, coming agonizingly close when he curled a left-footed shot against the right-hand post.
Bayern, six points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, looked confident and threatening, with Michael Olise also testing Inter’s defense with two dangerous attempts—one deflected narrowly wide and another saved from distance.
Despite Bayern’s early control, it was Inter who struck first. In the 38th minute, the Serie A leaders produced a beautifully executed team goal. Marcus Thuram displayed excellent technique and awareness, leaping to flick the ball into the path of Lautaro Martinez.
The Inter captain met it in stride and lashed the ball into the roof of the net with the outside of his boot—Inter’s first shot on target giving them a 1-0 lead.
Bayern responded with continued pressure. Raphael Guerreiro shot over the bar, and Kane fired another attempt just wide. The hosts were finally rewarded in the 85th minute through Thomas Müller.
The 35-year-old, who recently announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season after 25 years, came off the bench in the 74th minute and made an immediate impact.
He tapped in from close range after Konrad Laimer delivered a precise low cross from the right, leveling the score at 1-1 and seemingly salvaging a draw.
But Inter weren’t finished.
Just three minutes later, they launched a swift counterattack. Carlos Augusto broke forward down the left and delivered a low cross into the box, which substitute Davide Frattesi met with a composed finish to restore Inter’s lead in the 88th minute. The goal silenced the home crowd and handed Inter a dramatic victory.
The result ended Bayern’s impressive 22-match unbeaten home run in the Champions League, a streak that dated back to 2021. It also left Vincent Kompany’s side with a tough challenge in the return leg.
Kompany had fielded an injury-hit lineup that still featured two England internationals—Kane and Eric Dier—but Bayern will rue a series of missed opportunities, particularly Kane’s shot against the post and several squandered headers.
Inter, last season’s runners-up after losing to Manchester City in the final, now head back to San Siro with a narrow but significant advantage. The second leg will take place on Wednesday, April 16. The winner of the tie will face either Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals.
The final of this year’s Champions League will be held at Bayern’s own Allianz Arena on May 31—making their task of overturning the deficit in Milan all the more urgent if they are to reach a home final.
