Inter Milan secured a 2-1 victory against Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, with a decisive 88th-minute goal from Davide Frattesi.
Despite a depleted squad due to injuries, Bayern Munich started strongly, with Michael Olise and Harry Kane creating early opportunities.
However, Inter Milan opened the scoring shortly before halftime, courtesy of Lautaro Martinez’s powerful finish following a clever back-heel from Marcus Thuram.
Bayern’s Thomas Mueller, who recently announced his departure after a long tenure, equalised late in the game, seemingly setting up a dramatic finish.
However, Inter responded quickly, with Frattesi scoring the winning goal just three minutes later.
Inter Milan, seeking to return to the Champions League semi-finals, celebrated a “complete performance,” emphasising their team’s character and determination.
The late goal marked Bayern’s first home defeat in the Champions League since 2021.
Bayern’s manager, Vincent Kompany, remained optimistic, expressing confidence in his team’s ability to win the second leg in Milan.
Mueller, however, lamented the “stupid” late goal, acknowledging that Bayern could have performed better.
Bayern’s injury woes forced Kompany to make tactical adjustments, notably moving Raphael Guerreiro to an attacking midfield role.
Despite their early dominance, Bayern failed to capitalise on their chances, with Kane hitting the post.
Inter Milan grew in confidence as the game progressed, controlling the tempo after taking the lead. Bayern’s goalkeeper, Jonas Urbig, made a crucial save to deny Martinez.
Mueller’s late equaliser momentarily raised Bayern’s hopes, but Inter’s swift counterattack and Frattesi’s goal secured the victory for the Italian side.
