Inter Milan secured a vital late victory in their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich, putting themselves in a strong position to reach the semi-finals.
Bayern dominated the early stages, with England captain Harry Kane coming close to giving the hosts the lead, curling a shot that hit the right-hand post. However, it was Inter who struck first, scoring with their very first shot on target. In the 38th minute, the Serie A leaders produced a brilliantly crafted team goal. Marcus Thuram displayed excellent skill, leaping to flick the ball into the path of Lautaro Martinez, who finished with a deft shot using the outside of his boot, sending the ball into the roof of the net.
Bayern responded late in the match, with substitute Thomas Muller scoring in the 85th minute to equalize. The 35-year-old, who announced last week that he would be leaving the club in the summer, finished from close range after Konrad Laimer delivered a low cross into the box. It seemed like Bayern had salvaged a draw and avoided defeat.
However, just two minutes later, Inter struck again in dramatic fashion. They broke quickly on the counter-attack, and Carlos Augusto’s cross was expertly converted by substitute Davide Frattesi, restoring their lead and ensuring a crucial 2-1 victory.
This defeat also ended Bayern’s impressive 22-match unbeaten home run in the Champions League, which had stretched back to 2021. The second leg at the San Siro will take place on Wednesday, 16 April, with the winner advancing to face either Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals. The final will be held at Bayern’s Allianz Arena on 31 May.
