Inter Milan and Bayern Munich served up a European classic at the iconic San Siro, with a thrilling 2-2 draw in the second leg securing Inter’s place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals with a 4-3 aggregate victory. Having edged the first leg 2-1 in Munich, the Italian champions came into the clash with a narrow advantage, but it was wiped out early in the second half when Bayern striker Harry Kane fired a precise low strike past Yann Sommer in the 52nd minute.
That goal briefly stunned the home side, but it also served as a wake-up call. Inter Milan responded in emphatic fashion, launching into a dominant spell that would ultimately decide the tie. Just six minutes after Kane’s goal, Lautaro Martinez pounced on a loose ball inside the six-yard box following a corner and smashed it past Manuel Neuer to restore Inter’s aggregate lead.
The momentum had swung drastically, and three minutes later, former Bayern defender Benjamin Pavard struck what would prove to be the decisive goal. Rising highest at another corner, Pavard powered in a header from a pinpoint Hakan Calhanoglu delivery, leaving his former teammates stunned and Inter fans in raptures.
Dier’s Header Sets Up Nervy Finish
Despite being rocked by the two quick goals, Bayern refused to surrender. Manager Vincent Kompany urged his side forward, and with 14 minutes left on the clock, England international Eric Dier gave the visitors hope with a looping back-post header from a tight angle that left Sommer rooted to the spot.
Bayern pressed relentlessly in the final stages, desperate to force extra time. Their best chance came in the fifth minute of added time, when veteran Thomas Muller found space in the box and connected with a header that seemed destined for the net, only for Sommer to produce a crucial save that preserved Inter’s aggregate lead.
The final whistle brought relief and elation for the Nerazzurri, while Bayern were left to reflect on what might have been. Kompany’s side showed grit and quality but ultimately fell short in their attempt to reach the semi-finals.
Inter Milan Set for Barcelona Semi-Final Showdown
With the aggregate win secured, Inter Milan now look ahead to a mouth-watering semi-final clash against Spanish giants Barcelona. The two sides have a rich history in the Champions League, and this latest encounter promises to be a fierce contest between Serie A’s finest and La Liga’s most potent attacking force.
Simone Inzaghi’s side, who remain on course for a historic treble, will need to tighten their usually resolute defence, which was breached three times over the two legs by Bayern. However, the Nerazzurri still boast one of the strongest backlines in Europe and will be confident they can contain Barcelona’s free-flowing front line.
Inter Milan’s journey to the 2023 final was deemed fortunate by some critics, but their path this season has proven far more challenging. Having now dispatched the Bundesliga’s best, the Italian champions have shown they have the steel and stamina to go all the way.
Bayern Fall Short Again on European Stage
For Bayern Munich, elimination at the quarter-final stage will be seen as a bitter disappointment, especially given the high expectations at the club and the added motivation of potentially playing the final at their own Allianz Arena. Vincent Kompany, in his first season in charge, made bold tactical calls and oversaw a spirited performance, but it was not enough to salvage the tie.
The Bavarians now turn their attention to the Bundesliga, where they remain contenders to reclaim domestic supremacy. While Kompany’s job does not appear to be under immediate threat, questions will be raised about Bayern’s ability to compete at the highest level in Europe under his leadership.
Benjamin Pavard’s decisive goal—ironically against the club he left only last summer—will sting particularly for Bayern fans, who watched one of their former defenders send them crashing out of the competition they so desperately wanted to win.
Inter Milan’s Redemption Arc Continues
This victory marks a crucial milestone in Inter Milan’s European redemption journey. After the heartbreak of losing the 2023 Champions League final to Manchester City, the Nerazzurri are now back among the final four of Europe’s elite. Their mix of youth and experience, tactical discipline, and big-game mentality has made them a formidable force once more.
Lautaro Martinez continues to prove why he is one of Europe’s top strikers, while Hakan Calhanoglu has emerged as a creative linchpin. Add to that a rock-solid backline marshaled by Francesco Acerbi and the ever-reliable Yann Sommer, and it’s clear Inter are not in the semifinals by accident.
Barcelona may be favored by bookmakers, but Inter have already shown they can topple European giants. With just two games standing between them and a return to the Champions League final, the Nerazzurri’s dream of continental glory lives on.
