The 2010 Champions League final is etched in soccer history as Inter Milan secured their third Champions League title, ending a 45-year wait. This victory marked the culmination of Massimo Moratti`s ambitious ownership, who aimed to restore Inter to European glory since his father`s era. After years of near misses, Moratti`s appointment of Jose Mourinho proved pivotal.
In his second season, Mourinho delivered an unprecedented treble for Inter – Champions League, Serie A, and Coppa Italia, a feat unmatched by any other Italian club to this day. Following Coppa Italia and Serie A triumphs fueled by Diego Milito`s goals, Inter faced Bayern Munich in the Champions League final in Madrid on May 22, 2010, concluding an unforgettable season.
Journey to the Final
Both Inter and Bayern were contenders for the treble in Madrid, but their paths to the final differed. Bayern had a smooth group stage, while Inter navigated a tougher group, dramatically qualifying on the final matchday after a crucial comeback against Dynamo Kiev. Bayern progressed by defeating Fiorentina, Manchester United, and Lyon. Inter overcame Chelsea, CSKA Moscow, and in a thrilling semi-final, Pep Guardiola`s Barcelona, winning 3-1 in Milan and resisting a 1-0 loss in Barcelona.
Mourinho became a hero for Inter and Real Madrid fans by denying Barcelona the Champions League title at the Bernabeu. Shortly after, Mourinho moved to Real Madrid. In 2019, he explained his decision, stating he avoided Milan celebrations to detach from emotions and finalize his move to Real Madrid.
Bayern Munich, coached by Louis van Gaal, also had an impressive run. Van Gaal and Mourinho had previously worked together at Barcelona. Mourinho respectfully greeted Van Gaal before Inter`s 2-0 victory in Madrid, both goals scored by Diego Milito.
Key Players in Madrid
Both teams had significant absences. Bayern missed Franck Ribery due to suspension, and Inter were without Thiago Motta.
Bayern Munich XI: Hans-Jörg Butt; Philipp Lahm, Daniel Van Buyten, Martin Demichelis, Holger Badstuber; Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mark van Bommel, Hamit Altıntop, Arjen Robben, Thomas Müller: Ivica Olić.
Inter XI: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Walter Samuel, Lucio, Christian Chivu; Estaban Cambiasso, Javier Zanetti; Goran Pandev, Wesley Sneijder, Samuel Eto`o; Diego Milito.
Aftermath of the Final
Inter celebrated their victory without Mourinho, who stayed in Madrid to join Real Madrid. Rafa Benitez succeeded him but was replaced by Leonardo mid-season. In the 2010-11 Champions League, Inter faced Bayern again, winning 3-2 in Munich but were later eliminated by Schalke 04. Inter won the Coppa Italia that season but then faced years of struggle after Moratti`s departure, eventually returning to Serie A triumph in 2021, 11 years after their treble.
For Bayern, 2010-11 was disappointing, leading to van Gaal`s dismissal. Jupp Heynckes returned, reaching the 2011-12 Champions League final and achieving a treble in 2012-13, including a Champions League victory against Borussia Dortmund.
Benedict Kingsley