Inter Milan stunned Bayern Munich with a dramatic 2-1 victory in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie at the Allianz Arena. The result gives the Serie A leaders a vital advantage heading into next week’s return leg at the San Siro.
Bayern started strongly, dominating possession and creating early chances. England captain Harry Kane came close to giving Bayern the lead, hitting the post with a curling effort. However, it was Inter who struck first in the 38th minute, capitalizing on a slick team move. Marcus Thuram flicked the ball into Lautaro Martínez’s path, and the Argentine striker coolly fired into the roof of the net with the outside of his boot.
Bayern responded in the second half, and in the 85th minute, substitute Thomas Müller seemed to have salvaged a draw for the German giants. He finished from close range after Konrad Laimer’s low cross, bringing the game level at 1-1.
Just when it seemed the match would end in a draw, Inter broke Bayern’s hearts with a late, late goal. With just two minutes remaining, Carlos Augusto’s cross was met by substitute Davide Frattesi, who slotted it home to give Inter a crucial 2-1 lead.
The defeat marked the end of Bayern’s 22-match unbeaten home run in the Champions League, which had dated back to 2021. The loss also dealt a blow to their hopes of reaching the semi-finals in front of their home crowd, with the return leg in Milan on April 16 now a must-win for Julian Nagelsmann’s side.
Inter, who were runners-up in last year’s final, were clinical in their moments, while Bayern will regret several missed opportunities, including multiple chances from Kane and winger Michael Olise. Despite Müller’s late heroics, Inter’s dramatic last-minute strike leaves them in a strong position to progress to the semi-finals.
The second leg promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Bayern needing at least two goals to force extra time and keep their hopes of a home final alive.
