Inter Surges to Triumph Over Bayern, Eyes Set on Barcelona

Buffeted by wind and rain, Inter Milan lit up the night by securing a thrilling victory over Bayern Munich, positioning themselves as formidable contenders for European supremacy. After a gripping match, goals from Lautaro Martínez and Benjamin Pavard saw Inter through in jubilant, albeit soaking wet, conditions, rendering Bayern’s English duo Harry Kane and Eric Dier’s strikes irrelevant. As they brace for an enticing semi-final clash against Barcelona, Bayern and especially Kane, who missed some crucial chances, are left to rue their missed opportunities across both legs.

The San Siro was alive from the first whistle. Although the stadium is distinctively outdated, it remains one of football’s iconic cathedrals, synonymous with the Champions League’s grandeur. As the anthem blared before kickoff, the home fans joined in a united roar, embracing the surrounding electric atmosphere.

Inter’s confidence was sky-high following their first-leg win, a sentiment perhaps excessive according to Vincent Kompany and Harry Kane, who both remarked on the team’s exuberant celebrations following Davide Frattesi’s dramatic goal. Nevertheless, Bayern Munich, undaunted and experienced on the European stage, deployed Thomas Müller, their seasoned sharpshooter and a near savior in the previous leg.

Whenever Müller steps up, Bayern follows suit. Within three minutes, his clever backheel almost set up Michael Olise, only for Benjamin Pavard’s desperate block to avert the danger. Shortly after, a cluttered shot from Müller found Yann Sommer attentive, and Müller’s neat setup for Olise was thwarted by an alert Alessandro Bastoni, who diverted the ball away in a critical interception.

Bayern’s initial storm was soon matched by an actual one, misting the field and challenging both squads. Inter, keen and alert on the counter, faced obstacles like the wind steering Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s well-intended assist astray. Early on, they threatened when Federico Dimarco, returning as left wing-back, forced a save from Jonas Urbig. Inter’s wide play was relentless, though true scoring looks emerged only when Francesco Acerbi headed Dimarco’s free-kick across the face of goal.

Hakan Calhanoglu later attempted a long-range shot, just missing the mark as Urbig remained motionless. Despite the unyielding gusts, perhaps any chaotic influence would benefit the side already ahead. Bayern, appearing to drift, then gained another sniff at goal. Thomas Müller seemed poised to capitalize on Konrad Laimer’s setup, but Matteo Darmian’s block and Sommer’s clearance of Leroy Sané’s rebound thwarted their efforts. As the half concluded, the balance could still tip either way.

Kompany’s squad required an extra push, battling worsened weather upon their return. The winds spun raindrops in every direction, with Dier enduring a tough spin-off Marcus Thuram’s charge. Kane barely managed to deflect another Inter move, this time forcing Urbig into action; Inter sensed the decisive goal was near.

While that remained elusive, Kane did deliver on the opposite end. After receiving from Leon Goretzka, Kane, having failed assignments in the previous match, seized his moment with a precise finish to nullify Sommer’s reach.

But how would Inter react? Thuram quickly challenged Urbig, though Müller’s miss over the bar from prime range kept Inter hopeful. Martínez, relatively quiet until then, seized his chance with a clinical follow-up after initially botching a header.

Shortly after, Inter completed their comeback. Dier’s save conceded another Calhanoglu corner from the left, allowing Pavard to smash a header home, sending the San Siro into pandemonium.

It seemed conclusive, but a late Sommer save from Olise, followed by Dier’s recovery goal to edge Bayern back, meant tension remained until the end. Inzaghi’s team needed to channel the resilient spirit he instilled. As six minutes of added time unfolded, Kane missed his effort, allowing the San Siro faithful to revel in unison at Inter’s victory.