Seria A leaders Inter Milan pulled off a remarkable upset, defeating Bayern Munich 2-1 at the Allianz Arena in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash.
The Serie A leaders showcased their tactical discipline and clinical finishing to stun the Bundesliga giants on their home turf, ending Bayern’s impressive 22-match unbeaten streak in Champions League home games.
The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when Marcus Thuram’s clever back-heel flick set up Lautaro Martínez, who fired a stunning shot into the roof of the net with the outside of his boot, marking his seventh goal in the competition this season.
Bayern, hampered by an injury crisis that sidelined key players like Manuel Neuer, Alphonso Davies, and Jamal Musiala, struggled to convert their early dominance into goals despite Harry Kane striking the post.
Late in the game, substitute Thomas Müller equalized in the 85th minute, tapping in a low cross blasted in from the left by Konrad Laimer, sparking hopes of a Bayern comeback in what could be his final European hurrah at the Allianz before his departure in the summer. However, Inter responded swiftly.
Just three minutes later, in the 88th minute, Davide Frattesi latched onto a precise low cross from Carlos Augusto following a rapid counterattack initiated by Nicolò Barella, slotting home the decisive goal.
Inter’s defensive resilience, led by Alessandro Bastoni, and their ability to exploit transitions proved too much for a depleted Bayern side. The result gives Inter a slender but vital lead heading into the second leg at the San Siro on April 16, leaving Bayern with a mountain to climb if they hope to reach the semifinals and keep their dream of a Champions League final at the Allianz Arena alive.
