Bayern Munich, aiming to regain Bundesliga dominance, faces a tough Champions League challenge against Inter Milan. Traveling to Milan for the quarterfinal second leg, Bayern trails by a single goal, putting pressure on them to perform. Although Bayern briefly leveled the score in the first leg with a goal from Thomas Muller, Inter quickly responded with a goal from Davide Frattesi, securing a lead heading into the crucial second match.
After reaching the Champions League final against Manchester City in 2023, Inter aspires to win the coveted title while also competing for their fifth Scudetto in recent years. Inter, under Simone Inzaghi, has become a dominant force in Italian football, overtaking Juventus. Meanwhile, Vincent Kompany is working to restore Bayern`s prominence in European football. The German powerhouse hasn`t reached a Champions League final since 2019-2020, making this match a significant opportunity to change their recent trajectory.
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, April 16
- Location: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza — Milan, Italy
First Leg Highlights
In the first leg, Bayern Munich started strongly, but Inter managed to score first with a skillful goal from Lautaro Martinez. Martinez has been a key player for Inter this season. Despite announcing his departure at the end of the season, Thomas Muller equalized for Bayern in the 85th minute. However, Inter demonstrated resilience and scored again in the 88th minute, changing the outlook for the second leg.
Coach Perspectives
Inter`s objective is clear, as Inzaghi acknowledges. Repeating their first-leg performance will bring them closer to the Champions League final.
Inzaghi stated the importance of the match and emphasized focusing on replicating their strong performance from the first leg in front of their home fans. He anticipates a challenging game similar to the first leg, requiring resilience and effective ball control against a top-tier opponent.
Inter`s strong defense and game control are well-known, but Bayern, even without Jamal Musiala, will pose a threat. Muller`s potential start for Bayern could boost their attack, as Bayern needs to elevate their performance.
Kompany described the match as a clash between the best teams from Italy and Germany, played in top stadiums. He highlighted the high stakes and quality of both teams. This game is arguably the most significant in Kompany`s managerial career as he aims to restore Bayern`s European dominance. Victory would be a major step, while defeat would raise familiar questions for Bayern since 2020. Kompany faces a challenging situation but embraced this responsibility.
Projected Starting Lineups
Inter:
Yan Sommer, Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi, Benjamin Pavard, Matteo Darmian, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco, Marcus Thuram, Lautaro Martinez
Bayern Munich:
Jonas Urbig, Josip Stanisic, Min-Jae Kim, Eric Dier, Konrad Laimer, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Leroy Sane, Thomas Muller, Michael Olise, Harry Kane
Key Player Spotlight
Thomas Muller, Bayern Munich:
Bayern Munich needs a classic Muller performance to overcome Inter. Urbig, replacing the injured Neuer, has been vulnerable in goal, and Bayern`s defense might concede chances. Therefore, Bayern needs early and frequent goals, making Muller crucial. Muller has a history of scoring important goals for Bayern and will need to add to that against an Inter side currently unbeaten in 12 matches across all competitions.
Main Storyline
Can Vincent Kompany Revive Bayern`s European Dominance?
Bayern was once a formidable force in the Champions League. Only Barcelona and Real Madrid have more UCL appearances, and last season marked Bayern`s first Bundesliga title miss since 2011-12. Kompany was brought in to correct this, despite Burnley`s Premier League relegation under his management. He`s making progress, but further advancement is needed, particularly given Bayern`s injuries. Having only progressed in one of their last eight UCL knockout ties after losing the first leg, a win here would be a significant achievement for Kompany and Bayern.
Match Prediction
Inter has developed into a very complete team. Bayern is likely to score and equalize, creating tension, but Inter will likely respond with a goal from Lautaro Martinez. Inter is focused and well-organized, with every player understanding their role. Inter is expected to secure the win. Prediction: Inter 1, Bayern 1
Benedict Kingsley