Milan, Italy – Inter Milan secured their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after a pulsating 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich at a rain-swept San Siro on April 16, 2025. The result sealed a tense 4-3 aggregate victory for the Italian champions, dumping the Bundesliga giants out of the competition in a memorable quarter-final second leg.
High Stakes, Cautious Start
Carrying a slender 2-1 lead from the first leg in Munich, Inter Milan knew the task was far from over against a Bayern side boasting significant European pedigree. The opening half reflected the high stakes, with both teams probing carefully, aware that a single goal could drastically shift the tie’s momentum. Despite the attacking talent on display, including Inter’s captain Lautaro Martínez and Bayern’s prolific striker Harry Kane, clear-cut chances were scarce. The tension was palpable inside the Giuseppe Meazza stadium, but neither side could break the deadlock before the interval, leaving the aggregate score delicately poised at 2-1 in favour of the hosts.
Second Half Goal Flurry Ignites the Tie
The match exploded into life shortly after the restart. Seven minutes into the second half (52′), Bayern Munich landed the first blow. Harry Kane, ever the predator, found the net following an assist from Leon Goretzka, scoring his 10th goal of the Champions League campaign. Crucially, this goal levelled the aggregate score at 2-2, silencing the home crowd and swinging the momentum towards the German side.
However, Inter’s response was swift and devastating. Just six minutes later (58′), Lautaro Martínez, leading by example, latched onto a pass to restore Inter’s lead on the night and crucially, their aggregate advantage. The San Siro erupted, but the celebrations had barely died down when Inter struck again. In the 61st minute, former Bayern defender Benjamin Pavard haunted his old club, scoring Inter’s second goal in quick succession, assisted by Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Within nine minutes, the game had seen three goals, and Inter now held a commanding 4-2 aggregate lead.
Bayern Fight Back, Inter Milan Hold Firm
Bayern, facing elimination, refused to yield. Vincent Kompany urged his side forward, and they found a way back into the game in the 76th minute. Centre-back Eric Dier rose to meet a delivery from substitute Serge Gnabry, looping a header past Yann Sommer to make it 2-2 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate.
Dier’s goal set up a nerve-wracking final quarter-hour plus stoppage time. Bayern threw everything forward in search of the goal that would force extra time, while Inter defended resolutely, marshalled by their experienced players. Despite intense pressure and late chances, including a final opportunity volleyed over by Kingsley Coman deep into injury time, Simone Inzaghi’s men held firm. The final whistle blew, confirming the 2-2 draw and Inter’s progression via a 4-3 aggregate scoreline.
Nerazzurri March On
This enthralling encounter showcased the drama and quality of Champions League knockout football. While Harry Kane and Eric Dier provided moments of hope for Bayern, crucial goals from Lautaro Martínez and Benjamin Pavard proved decisive for Inter. The victory marks a significant step for the Nerazzurri, ending Bayern’s challenge and potentially marking Thomas Müller‘s final appearance in the competition after 163 games. Inter now advance to a mouth-watering semi-final clash against FC Barcelona, evoking memories of their historic treble-winning campaign in 2010 where they overcame both clubs enroute to glory. The dream remains alive for the Italian side.
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