How Bayern’s wastefulness gave Inter Milan a crucial advantage in champions league first leg tie in Munich

Inter Milan are in a strong position to reach the Champions League semi-finals after securing a dramatic 2-1 victory in the first leg of their quarter-final tie at Bayern Munich.

Bayern dominated the opening half-hour, with England captain Harry Kane hitting the post with a curling effort. However, Inter took the lead with their first shot on target in the 38th minute.

A superb team move was finished by Lautaro Martinez, who fired a first-time effort into the roof of the net following a skillful flick from Marcus Thuram.

According to the BBC Sports, Bayern equalized in the 85th minute, with substitute Thomas Muller scoring from close range after a low cross from Konrad Laimer. The 35-year-old forward, who announced he would leave the club in the summer, seemed to have salvaged a draw for Bayern.

But Inter responded in dramatic fashion, scoring again in the 88th minute. A fast break saw substitute Davide Frattesi convert a Carlos Augusto cross, giving the Serie A leaders a crucial away win.

The defeat ended Bayern’s 22-match unbeaten home streak in the Champions League, which had stretched back to 2021.

The second leg will take place at the San Siro on April 16, with the winners advancing to face either Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals. The final will be hosted at Bayern’s Allianz Arena on May 31.

‘We Still Feel Belief’ – Kompany

Bayern, who hold a six-point lead in the Bundesliga, now face an uphill task in Milan to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.

Bayern manager, Vincent Kompany remained optimistic, saying: “It’s half-time, it’s 2-1, and we’re motivated for the next game. We still believe we can win in Milan and will do everything we can.”

Kompany’s side, featuring England internationals Kane and Eric Dier, will regret a series of missed chances. Michael Olise saw a shot deflected just wide, while Kane missed a header and hit the post with a chance inside the penalty area.

Inter capitalized on Bayern’s profligacy, with Martinez scoring his seventh Champions League goal of the season. Muller’s equalizer briefly gave Bayern hope, but Inter’s late surge secured a vital advantage heading into the second leg.

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