Inter Milan Edges Bayern Munich in Champions League Quarterfinal First Leg

MÜNCHEN, Germany — Inter Milan secured a surprising 2-1 victory against FC Bayern Munich in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Allianz Arena. Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring with a stunning goal in the 38th minute, putting the visitors ahead to eventually claim a crucial win.

Bayern, who had been unbeaten in their last 22 home games in the Champions League, struggled to penetrate Inter’s defense for much of the match. Though they managed to equalize in the 85th minute through Thomas Muller, Inter quickly responded, retaking the lead just two minutes later courtesy of Davide Frattesi‘s late strike.

“We focused on our defensive structure, and the boys executed perfectly,” said Inter coach Simone Inzaghi. “This win is a testament to our hard work and determination as we aim to progress to the semifinals.”

Inter began the match confidently, stifling Bayern’s influential players, including Harry Kane, and holding only slightly less possession in the first half. Bayern took control early, with Kane missing an early chance, hitting the post from a tight angle.

The deadlock was broken when Martinez, assisted by Marcus Thuram, rifled home a close-range shot that sent the Inter fans into jubilation. VAR confirmed the goal as offside was dismissed. “We were resilient today; we knew we had to capitalize on our chances,” Martinez stated.

In the second half, Bayern ramped up their attack, unwilling to concede a second goal. They finally broke through in the final minutes when Muller, introduced off the bench, found the net after a well-placed cross from Josip Stanisic.

“It felt like we were finally in control, and the crowd really got behind us,” Muller commented post-match. “But we need to learn from the late defensive lapse.”

However, that momentum swiftly dissipated as Inter launched a lethal counter-attack, culminating in Frattesi’s powerful goal, sealing a 2-1 victory. “We have to keep our heads clear and focus on the second leg. There’s still a lot of work ahead of us,” Inzaghi emphasized as he looked ahead.

Bayern will need to regroup ahead of the decisive second leg away in Milan, where they will aim to overturn the deficit. The stage is set for an exciting matchup as both teams vie for a spot in the semifinals of Europe’s top competition.