Inter Milan pulled off a sensational 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie, thanks to a dramatic 88th-minute winner from Davide Frattesi. This result not only gives Inter a crucial advantage heading back to the San Siro but also ends Bayern Munich�s remarkable 22-match unbeaten home run in the competition.
Despite a growing injury list, Bayern Munich started brightly, with Michael Olise firing an early shot just wide of the post. While Inter Milan gradually found their footing in the game, they struggled to penetrate Bayern’s resolute defence, and the hosts continued to create the clearer chances.
Olise proved to be a constant threat for Inter, and it was his intelligent lay-off from a long ball by Jonas Urbig that set up Harry Kane. However, the England captain could only watch in agony as his shot across goal struck the outside of the far post.
Kane’s miss appeared momentarily harmless when Carlos Augusto hit the side netting for Inter just moments later. But against the run of play, Inter Milan managed to carve out an opener just before the half-time whistle. Augusto�s low cross caught the Bayern defence off guard, finding Marcus Thuram, who cleverly flicked the ball back for Lautaro Mart�nez to caress a beautiful finish into the top corner with the outside of his boot.
Inter Milan continued their attacking momentum after the break, creating several opportunities, including a Mart�nez shot from a tight angle that was pushed away by Bayern goalkeeper Urbig. Bayern responded by slowing down the tempo and successfully regained control of possession. However, clear-cut chances remained scarce until Rapha�l Guerreiro�s well-struck volley sailed just over the Inter bar.
The final ten minutes of the match erupted into a flurry of action. Bayern repeatedly threatened the Inter goal before finally finding a poetic equaliser. Konrad Laimer brought down Joshua Kimmich�s cross, inadvertently sending it back across the face of goal. There, Thomas M�ller, famed for his spatial awareness, lost his marker and poked the ball into the unguarded net.
Perhaps overcome by relief, Bayern Munich momentarily switched off, allowing Inter Milan to snatch a stunning late winner. Nicol� Barella played a through ball to Augusto, who unselfishly squared it for Frattesi to slot home the decisive goal, silencing the Allianz Arena.
This result puts Bayern Munich’s hopes of reaching the Champions League final, which is to be played at their home ground this year, in serious jeopardy. History is also not on their side, as they have never won a Champions League or European Cup knockout tie after losing the first leg at home.
The outlook is significantly brighter for Inter Milan, who are now strong favourites to win both the Serie A and Coppa Italia this season. This unexpected victory in Munich also keeps their hopes of achieving a remarkable treble alive if they can successfully navigate the second leg at the San Siro.
