By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Inter Milan took a decisive step toward the UEFA Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday night, securing a dramatic 2-1 away victory over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.
In a pulsating contest that showcased elite-level football and moments of high drama, the Nerazzurri stunned the German champions with clinical finishing and disciplined defending, capped off by a late winner from substitute Davide Frattesi.
The visitors struck first in the 38th minute through Lautaro Martinez. The Argentine forward showed composure and class as he latched onto a clever pass from Marcus Thuram before rifling a precise shot under the crossbar. The goal stood after a brief VAR review confirmed there was no offside in the buildup.
Bayern Munich, who had dominated possession and created several early chances, were left to rue missed opportunities.
Harry Kane came closest in the first half, rattling the post with a powerful drive, while Yann Sommer produced a string of impressive saves to keep the Bavarians at bay—most notably denying Kane’s close-range header and a stinging shot from Raphael Guerreiro.
The hosts finally broke through in the 85th minute when veteran forward Thomas Müller pounced on a pinpoint cross from Konrad Laimer to level the score and send the home crowd into raptures. But just when Bayern looked set to mount a late comeback, Inter struck on the counter.
Two minutes after the equaliser, Carlos Augusto orchestrated a lightning-fast break and squared the ball to Frattesi, who slotted home coolly from close range to restore Inter‘s lead and silence the Allianz Arena.
Despite late pressure and another header from Kane in stoppage time that was heroically blocked, Inter held on to claim a precious away win that puts them in the driving seat ahead of the second leg in Milan.
Simone Inzaghi’s side now carry a narrow but vital advantage back to the San Siro, while Bayern face the daunting task of overturning the deficit on foreign soil.
