Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich: Champions League Showdown
Inter returns to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza with a narrow lead, hosting Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final. A 2-1 win in Munich, thanks to Davide Frattesi’s late goal, puts Simone Inzaghi’s team on the verge of reaching their second Champions League semi-final in three years.
But history shows that leads can be fragile in big European matches. Bayern Munich, hurt but not defeated, comes to Milan to turn things around and keep their perfect record at the San Siro against Inter.
Inter’s win in Munich was a masterclass in tactical discipline and quick counter-attacks. After taking an early lead with a great goal, they were levelled by Thomas Muller’s goal, only to score again in the 88th minute.
History is on their side: Inter have advanced in 21 of 23 previous Champions League knockout ties when winning the first leg. But they remember last season, when a good first leg against Atletico Madrid ended in a disappointing second leg.
For Vincent Kompany, the loss at the Allianz Arena was his first home European defeat as Bayern Munich coach, ending a 22-game unbeaten run at home. The 2-1 defeat also showed Bayern’s weaknesses, especially in transition, which Inter exploited well.
But there’s hope for Bayern. They won only once in their last eight Champions League ties after losing the first leg last season against Lazio. And they have a perfect record at the San Siro against Inter: four wins in four games, all without conceding a goal. That might give Kompany and his players some comfort.
But Bayern’s recent form doesn’t inspire much fear. A 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga means their dominance is slipping, despite being top of the table. Their aura of invincibility has gone. This Bayern team isn’t as good as before, they lack leaders and a clear shape. Kompany’s team has talent but no consistency. Inzaghi’s Inter is a complete team, tactically disciplined, emotionally grown, and built for the long term. The Hard Tackle looks at how both teams might line up and what tactics they will use.
Team News & Tactics
Inter Milan
Simone Inzaghi enters the second leg with a nearly full-strength squad and key players well-rested. He rotated his squad for the Serie A match against Cagliari, allowing stars like Marcus Thuram, Alessandro Bastoni, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan to rest before Wednesday’s game.
There are a few injury concerns. Piotr Zielinski and Denzel Dumfries are still out. Mehdi Taremi has recovered from a muscle injury and was on the bench last time, but he is unlikely to start. Kristjan Asllani is back from a European suspension but is expected to be a substitute.
One key decision for Inzaghi is at left wing-back. Federico Dimarco is fully fit, but Carlos Augusto has been in excellent form recently. However, Dimarco’s experience is likely to give him the edge for this important match.
Inter Milan is expected to use their usual 3-5-2 formation against Bayern Munich. Yann Sommer will be in goal, with a back three of Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi, and Alessandro Bastoni. This trio provides composure, aerial ability, and good ball movement.
In midfield, Matteo Darmian will play on the right, and Federico Dimarco on the left. The central trio includes Nicolo Barella for energy, Hakan Calhanoglu as the playmaker, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, whose intelligence will be crucial in controlling the game. Up front, Lautaro Martínez will partner with Marcus Thuram, whose speed was key in the first leg. Together, they form one of Europe’s most effective strike partnerships.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Thuram.
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich is dealing with several key players being unavailable. The most notable is Jamal Musiala, who is out for the season. His absence weakens Bayern’s midfield creativity. Thomas Muller, who scored in the first leg, is expected to play in the attacking midfield role.
Jonas Urbig will continue in goal, as Manuel Neuer’s return has been delayed. Defensively, Bayern is weakened, with Alphonso Davies, Dayot Upamecano, and Hiroki Ito all injured. This puts pressure on their defense to contain Inter’s forwards.
Serge Gnabry’s strong performance off the bench against Borussia Dortmund raises questions about a possible start. However, Leroy Sane is likely to keep his place on the wing, with Kingsley Coman as an option off the bench.
Vincent Kompany is expected to use a 4-2-3-1 formation. Jonas Urbig will be protected by a back four of Konrad Laimer, Eric Dier, Kim Min-jae, and Josip Stanisic. This makeshift defense must stay organized against Inter’s attacks.
In midfield, Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka will control the tempo and disrupt Inter’s play. In the attacking trio, Michael Olise will play on the right, Thomas Muller in the center, and Leroy Sane on the left.
Harry Kane will lead the attack and needs to be more involved than in the first leg if Bayern is to overturn the deficit.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Urbig; Laimer, Dier, Kim, Stanisic; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Muller, Sane; Kane.
Key Stats
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Inter Milan and Bayern Munich have met six times in the Champions League, with each side winning three games. Only one of those victories was by the home team, Bayern’s win in November 2022.
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Bayern Munich has won all four of their away matches against Inter Milan in European competition without conceding a goal. This is Inter’s longest home losing streak against a single opponent in European competitions.
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Inter Milan has progressed from 21 of their last 23 Champions League knockout ties when winning the first leg. One of the two failures came last season against Atletico Madrid.
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Bayern Munich has only progressed from one of their last eight Champions League knockout stage ties when losing the first leg. That success was last season against Lazio.
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Inter Milan is unbeaten in their last 14 home games in the Champions League. This is the longest active unbeaten run in the competition.
Player to Watch: Lautaro Martinez
Inter Milan will rely on their captain, Lautaro Martínez, for inspiration. The Argentine forward has been key to Inter’s attack this season, with his goals, pressing, movement, and leadership.
Lautaro leads Inter in goals and attacking contributions, and his partnership with Marcus Thuram is one of Europe’s best. His sharpness, ability to link play, and instinct in the box make him a constant threat.
Having won the World Cup and played a key role in Inter’s success, Martínez thrives in big moments. With the crowd behind him, he will look to add another chapter to his Inter story. Bayern must find a way to stop Lautaro if they want to advance.
Inter vs Bayern Prediction
Inter Milan 1-1 Bayern Munich (Inter advances 3-2 on aggregate)
Inter vs Bayern Live Stream
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