Inter Milan Responds to Bayern’s Criticism After Champions League Victory

MIlan, Italy — Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan addressed criticism from Bayern Munich regarding his team’s celebrations after their surprising victory in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Following the match, Bayern players claimed Inter celebrated as if they had already won the tie, prompting discussions ahead of the decisive second leg.

Mkhitaryan defended his team’s actions at a press conference on Tuesday, asserting that their celebrations were simply a reaction to a hard-fought victory. “Everyone is free to say what they want,” he said. “We know what we did, we know we were just happy after the first game — it was not a massive celebration.”

Inter leads the aggregate score 2-1, a result that came after a thrilling encounter in Munich. Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring for Inter, only for Bayern’s Benjamin Pavard to equalize in the final minutes, before Inter’s Francesco Frattesi secured the win with a late goal, marking Bayern’s first home defeat in the competition in nearly four years.

Bayern’s forward Harry Kane remarked on the apparent over-exuberance of Inter’s celebrations, stating, “I know they celebrated like they won the tie at the end, but it’s all to play for. It’s one goal and 90 minutes to play.” He later moderated his critique, attributing the intensity of the moment to high emotions. “Maybe it was just in the moment then and the emotions after the game, maybe it felt like that a little bit,” he stated.

Inter’s coach, Simone Inzaghi, reiterated Mkhitaryan’s sentiments, emphasizing that the match was only at its halfway point. He noted, “We mustn’t look at precedents, which obviously haven’t always been positive in the history of Inter against Bayern here at San Siro.” He acknowledged Bayern’s historic advantage, as they have won all four previous matches at the San Siro, with Inter scoring just once across those games.

However, Inzaghi remained optimistic about his team’s approach, stating, “The boys are mature, they know that we are playing against a really great opponent. We respect them, as we should, but with the right attitude. I think we can have a great game.”

Historically, Inter has found success against Bayern, including a victory in the 2010 Champions League final when they clinched a treble. That achievement is a motivating factor for Inzaghi’s current squad as they strive to replicate similar success this season.

As the second leg approaches, the focus remains on the match itself, with both teams aware of the stakes ahead. The game is set to take place at the iconic San Siro stadium on Wednesday, with Inter aiming to maintain their lead and Bayern seeking to overturn the deficit.