Bayern Munich’s Champions League campaign took a major hit after a 2-1 home loss to Inter Milan in the first leg of their quarterfinal clash on Tuesday. Despite dominating the ball with nearly 60% possession, Vincent Kompany’s side struggled to make their control count.
Inter’s Lautaro Martinez delivered a moment of brilliance in the first half to give the visitors the lead, while Bayern were wasteful in front of goal despite registering 20 shots. Thomas Muller, brought on late in the game, sparked hope for the home side with a goal five minutes from time, but Inter struck again shortly after through Davide Frattesi to leave Bayern with a mountain to climb in the return leg.
Missed chances and Inter’s ruthless response
Both teams began on the front foot, and it was Michael Olise who carved out the first real opening just six minutes in, his deflected shot narrowly missing the target. Shortly after, a corner from Joshua Kimmich nearly caught Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer out, brushing the top of the net.
Olise continued to be a threat, crossing to Harry Kane soon after, but the England striker couldn’t generate the power or placement to trouble Sommer. The hosts had their best chance 26 minutes in when Olise weaved through Inter’s backline and set up Kane, who somehow struck the outside of the post from close range.
Inter didn’t create many clear opportunities in the opening half but came close when Carlos Augusto surged forward and blasted into the side netting. They eventually found their breakthrough with a slick move involving Marcus Thuram, who set up Martinez to finish beautifully with the outside of his foot.
Bayern turned up the pressure after the interval and spent much of the second half camped in Inter’s half. Inzaghi’s men were disciplined in their defensive shape, frustrating Bayern and forcing them into difficult shots. Kane sent a volley wide, and Muller had an effort blocked before eventually scoring a close-range equalizer.
However, the hosts’ joy was short-lived. Just three minutes after Muller’s goal, Inter hit back with a swift counterattack finished by Frattesi, putting the Italian side in the driver’s seat ahead of the second leg.
Selection gamble and defensive steel
With Jamal Musiala unavailable, many expected veteran forward Thomas Muller to be named in the starting eleven, especially with his departure from the club now confirmed. Instead, Kompany opted to use left-back Raphael Guerreiro in an advanced role behind the striker.
The move appeared to prioritize energy and movement over experience, but Guerreiro struggled to influence the game creatively. When Muller was finally introduced for the last 20 minutes, he provided an instant impact and got his name on the scoresheet. It raised questions over whether Bayern might have benefited from his inclusion earlier.
Inter’s defense once again showed why they are one of the toughest units in the competition. Before this match, they had only conceded twice in the tournament and kept clean sheets against both Arsenal and Manchester City during the group stage.
Alessandro Bastoni’s return from injury gave them a boost at the back. Though Bayern created chances, Inter’s defenders stood firm under pressure and executed their game plan effectively, soaking up attacks and punishing on the counter when opportunities came.
Kane off target as Bayern pay the price
Harry Kane had a night to forget in front of the goal. While his first attempt – a header early in the match – was a tough one, his miss shortly before the half-hour mark stunned fans inside the Allianz Arena. After a fine pass from Olise, Kane opened his body and bent his shot past Sommer, only to see it strike the post.
Opportunities were limited for Bayern’s leading scorer as the game wore on, but even the difficult ones are often expected to find the net when Kane is involved. On this occasion, however, his radar was off, and Bayern was left to rue the missed chances as Inter took full advantage.
