Inter take huge step to Champions League semi-finals
Bayern Munich 1 - 2 Inter Milan
Inter Milan secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Allianz Arena.
The German side dominated the early stages, with England captain Harry Kane striking the post in the first half. However, it was Inter who broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. Marcus Thuram displayed exceptional skill to flick the ball into the path of Lautaro Martínez, who finished emphatically into the roof of the net with the outside of his boot.
Bayern responded in the 85th minute through veteran forward Thomas Müller, who announced last week that he will leave the club this summer after a 25-year association. Müller converted from close range following a low cross from Konrad Laimer.
Inter had the final say just three minutes later. A swift counter-attack culminated in Carlos Augusto delivering a precise cross, which substitute Davide Frattesi turned in from close range, securing the win for the visitors.
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This result ended Bayern's 22-match unbeaten home run in the Champions League, a streak dating back to April 2021. The second leg is scheduled for Wednesday, 16 April, at San Siro. The aggregate winner will advance to the semi-finals to face either Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund.
Bayern's Allianz Arena is set to host the final on 31 May.
The atmosphere was amazing throughout the night
Kane miss proves costly
This was a moment that could haunt Harry Kane for a long time. The look of horror on his face was clear when, after 26 minutes of intense action in which Bayern Munich tested Yann Sommer’s goal repeatedly, he found himself eight yards out after a selfless pass from Michael Olise. Even at a slight angle, it seemed that only one outcome was possible when Kane struck the ball with his right foot.
However, his shot hit the far post instead. Although Kane has scored more Champions League goals than anyone else since his move to Bayern, it’s hard not to wonder if his pursuit of glory is somehow cursed.
Looking through social media for the best comments
Frank watched the match on social media and said: "That was fairly impressive from Inter. That was a killer counter and an absolute superb ball from Lautaro to complely hold Bayern back and put off the fire of from any kind of momentum they could build."
Jamie P had a similar view, saying: "That was a fine lesson on how an away performance should be from Inter. It would be great to see Inter along Dortmund, Arsenal and Villa on a very unexpected and evenly balanced semi-finals."
