Inter Milan Hold Off Bayern to Reach Champions League Semis

• Apr 17, 2025

Inter Milan have advanced to the UEFA Champions League semifinals after a thrilling 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich, securing a 4-3 aggregate win in a rain-soaked and windy night at the San Siro.

Despite tough weather conditions, Inter showed resilience and quality, with two quick goals from Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard turning the tide after Bayern’s Harry Kane had leveled the tie in the 52nd minute. Bayern’s Eric Dier later equalized on the night with a looping header in the 75th minute, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Inter from progressing.

The result sets up a high-stakes semifinal clash between Inter and Barcelona, reviving memories of their famous 2010 campaign when they beat the Spanish side in the semis en route to a historic treble under Jose Mourinho. That treble is once again within reach as Inter sit atop Serie A by three points and are still in the hunt for the Italian Cup, where they will meet AC Milan in the semifinals.

Wednesday’s match was played in challenging conditions, with heavy rain and strong winds disrupting both sides’ rhythm. The atmosphere added intensity to an already charged quarterfinal, and the tension was mirrored in the stands as Inter fans remained silent for the first 20 minutes in protest over ticket prices.

The first half ended goalless despite chances for both sides, including a narrowly missed opportunity by Marcus Thuram and a powerful strike from Hakan Calhanoglu. Bayern dominated late in the half but couldn’t break through due to determined defending and the difficult weather.

Early in the second half, Kane gave Bayern hope with a well-taken strike that beat Yann Sommer. Just before that, Kane nearly scored an own goal but was saved by Bayern’s rookie goalkeeper. Martinez quickly responded, firing home from a Dimarco corner, and Pavard added Inter’s second minutes later with a header.

Although Dier pulled one back for Bayern to keep the tie close, Inter held firm. Kane’s late header was stopped by Sommer, sealing Inter’s place in the last four and keeping alive their hopes of another European and domestic treble.