Frattesi’s Late Strike Hands Inter Milan Crucial Advantage Over Bayern Munich in Champions League Thriller

Inter Milan stunned Bayern Munich with a dramatic 2-1 win at the Allianz Arena in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash on Tuesday night, thanks to a late goal from substitute Davide Frattesi.

In a pulsating encounter that saw Bayern dominate large stretches, it was the Serie A leaders who emerged with the upper hand. Despite a strong start from the German champions including a curling shot from Harry Kane that struck the post Inter were clinical when it mattered most.

Simone Inzaghi’s side took the lead against the run of play in the 38th minute through Lautaro Martinez. The Argentine striker finished a slick team move with a stunning outside-of-the-boot strike into the roof of the net after an inventive backheel assist from Marcus Thuram.

Bayern, unbeaten at home in the Champions League since 2021, rallied in the second half and were eventually rewarded when veteran forward Thomas Muller who recently announced his departure from the club this summer swept home Konrad Laimer’s low cross in the 85th minute to draw the match level.

But the drama was far from over.

Just three minutes later, Inter responded with a swift counterattack. Carlos Augusto delivered a dangerous ball from the right and Frattesi timed his run perfectly to slot home from close range, silencing the Munich crowd and ending Bayern’s 22-game unbeaten home run in Europe.

“We’ve done something important at the home of a team that has won 23 of its last 27 games here in the Champions League,” said a proud Inzaghi after the final whistle. “But it’s only half-time in seven days, there will be the return match at San Siro, and we must follow up this great performance in front of our fans.”

Despite the defeat, Bayern manager Vincent Kompany remained upbeat about his side’s chances in the second leg.

“At the end I saw a lot of celebrations from Inter, but from our side, it’s half-time,” Kompany said. “It’s 2-1, and we’re motivated for the next game. We still feel belief we can win there and we will do everything we can.”

The Bundesliga leaders who currently hold a six-point lead at the top of their domestic league were left ruing a series of missed opportunities. Michael Olise, making a strong impression, saw multiple efforts saved, while Kane also squandered key chances, including a golden one gifted by Benjamin Pavard’s error.

The two teams meet again at the San Siro on Wednesday, April 16, where Inter will aim to secure a semi-final berth and a potential showdown with either Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund. Meanwhile, Bayern will be fighting to keep alive their dream of lifting the trophy at their home stadium, with the final set for May 31 at the Allianz Arena.