Inter Milan sealed their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich at the San Siro, securing a 4-3 aggregate victory and keeping their treble hopes alive.
Coming into the second leg with a narrow 2-1 advantage from Bavaria, Inter were prepared for an onslaught from a determined and injury-hit Bayern side managed by Vincent Kompany. The German giants began the second half with intensity and found the breakthrough in the 52nd minute. Harry Kane struck a low, precise effort through Federico Dimarco’s legs and beyond Yann Sommer to level the tie at 2-2 on aggregate.
But Inter responded with typical grit and heart. Just six minutes later, Lautaro Martinez smashed in a low volley after a corner dropped kindly for him. The Argentine’s goal marked his fifth consecutive Champions League match on the scoresheet making him only the second Argentinian, after Lionel Messi, to achieve that feat. It also reignited Inter’s lead in the tie, putting them ahead 3-2 on aggregate.
The San Siro erupted again just minutes later when Benjamin Pavard, facing his former club, rose highest to meet Hakan Calhanoglu’s corner with a thunderous header, stretching Inter’s advantage to 4-2 overall. Pavard, later named Flashscore’s Man of the Match, delivered a performance filled with both defensive resilience and attacking impact.
Eric Dier pulled one back for Bayern in the 76th minute with a looping header from a tight angle, ensuring a nervy finish. But despite late chances from Kane, Thomas Muller, and Serge Gnabry, Bayern couldn’t find the crucial goal to force extra time. Sommer stood firm, including a vital stop from Kane in stoppage time, as Inter clung on under relentless pressure in soaking and blustery Milan conditions.
Speaking after the game, captain Lautaro Martinez praised Inter's resilience: "We will remember this game for a long time. Never give up we have personality, heart, and head. We suffered but showed once again that we can do great things."
Inter's campaign has been marked by defensive solidity they’ve trailed for less than 11 minutes in the Champions League this season, fewer than any other side. Their ability to weather Bayern’s physical and tactical threats was a testament to Simone Inzaghi’s preparation and the players’ discipline.
The Nerazzurri, who are three points clear at the top of Serie A and also in the Coppa Italia semi-finals, continue to chase a historic treble, last achieved by Jose Mourinho’s Inter in 2010. They will now face Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals a rematch of their classic 2010 encounter.
With the second leg set to be played at the San Siro, Inter will fancy their chances of reaching a second Champions League final in three years, as they continue to prove that they are among Europe’s elite once more.
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