Inter Dig Deep to Survive Bayern Barrage and Book Semi-Final Spot

By Alonso Contreras

On a rain-slicked night at the iconic Stadio San Siro, FC Internazionale Milano clinched a dramatic 4–3 aggregate victory over FC Bayern München despite a pulsating 2–2 draw in the second leg. The Nerazzurri's early lead and resolute defensive resilience proved just enough to hold off a spirited Bayern comeback and seal a place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

First Half – A Tactical Arm Wrestle

The match began with high intensity under steady Milanese rain. Bayern, chasing a 2–1 deficit from the first leg, came out commanding possession, registering 58% of the ball in the opening period. However, clear chances were at a premium, with both sides managing a combined three shots on target in the first half.

Inter sat deep, relying on their shape and the intelligent pressing of Çalhanoğlu and Barella to stifle Bayern’s midfield. Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram sought to exploit the space on the break, but the first half ended goalless, with Inter holding firm.

Second Half – The Floodgates Open

The tie exploded into life just seven minutes after the restart. Lautaro Martínez, always the man for the big occasion, delivered again in the 58th minute. The Argentine pounced on a loose ball in the box, slotting calmly past Jonas Urbig to send San Siro into raptures. With the aggregate score now 3–1, Bayern’s task looked monumental.

But the German giants responded with trademark grit. Barely four minutes later, Harry Kane—largely anonymous in the first leg—stepped up. Latching onto a clever pass from Joshua Kimmich, the Englishman powered a finish past Sommer to silence the Inter faithful and reignite the tie.

Inter's momentum wavered as Bayern turned up the pressure. In the 61st minute, Benjamin Pavard restored Inter’s two-goal aggregate cushion with a towering header from a Dimarco cross. But once again, Bayern roared back. Eric Dier, not usually known for his attacking contributions, struck in the 76th minute to level the match at 2–2 and narrow the aggregate to 4–3.

The final stages were nervy for Simone Inzaghi’s side. Bayern, spurred on by the introductions of Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman, launched wave after wave of attack. But Inter held firm, thanks to Sommer’s key saves and a heroic defensive performance from Bastoni and Acerbi.

Tactical and Statistical Overview

Bayern dominated possession (60%) and had more shots (20 to Inter's 15), with six on target to Inter’s five. Yet it was the Italians' efficiency and game management that made the difference. Inter absorbed Bayern’s pressure, committing just 10 fouls and remaining composed even as the game tilted toward chaos in the closing stages.

Despite the stats leaning Bayern's way—more passes attempted (565 to 340), higher completion rate (85% vs 78%), and more entries into the penalty area—Inter’s pragmatic, defensive display underlined their tournament nous.

Key Moments and Bookings

• 28’ – Yellow card: Minjae Kim (Bayern)

• 45’ – Yellow card: Eric Dier (Bayern)

• 52’ – ⚽ Goal: Harry Kane (Bayern)

• 58’ – ⚽ Goal: Lautaro Martínez (Inter)

• 61’ – ⚽ Goal: Benjamin Pavard (Inter)

• 69’ – Yellow card: Marko Arnautović (Inter)

• 76’ – ⚽ Goal: Eric Dier (Bayern)

• 83’ – Bayern introduce Coman and Pavlović in final push

• 88’ – Inter solidify midfield with Frattesi and Bisseck substitutions

Final Word

Vincent Kompany’s Bayern side pushed Inter to the brink, but Simone Inzaghi’s men demonstrated why they’re among Europe’s most seasoned knockout performers. Lautaro’s leadership, tactical discipline, and timely goals proved the edge.

With this result, Inter march on to the semi-finals, dreams of Istanbul now replaced by a new vision—London. And based on this performance, few will relish facing the Nerazzurri in the next round.