UCL: Bayern's Unbeaten Run Ends as Inter Secures Crucial 2-1 Victory

Inter Milan takes a crucial 2-1 lead over Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final matchup. Davide Frattesi scores a late winner to give Inter a vital edge.

Davide Frattesi's 88th-minute goal gave Inter Milan a crucial 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. This win hands Inter a significant advantage heading into the second leg at the San Siro, while also ending Bayern's impressive 22-match unbeaten home run in the competition.

Despite their growing injury list, Bayern Munich got off to a promising start, with Michael Olise shooting wide of the post in the early exchanges. However, as the game wore on, Inter began to gain momentum, although they struggled to breach the solid Bayern defense. The hosts continued to create the best chances, but ultimately, it was Inter who found the winner, courtesy of Frattesi's late strike.

Michael Olise was proving to be a thorn in Inter's side, and his clever lay-off from Jonas Urbig's long ball created a prime opportunity for Harry Kane to score. However, the England striker agonizingly shot across goal, hitting the outside of the far post. Inter initially escaped punishment for Kane's miss, with Carlos Augusto hitting the side netting at the other end just moments later.

Despite being under pressure, Inter Milan worked tirelessly to take the lead against the run of play just before halftime. Augusto's low cross caught the Bayern defense off guard, finding Marcus Thuram, who flicked the ball back for Lautaro Martínez to arrive and delicately slot into the top corner with the outside of his boot. Inter continued to press after the restart, creating multiple chances, including a Martínez shot from a tight angle that was batted away by Urbig.

The final 10 minutes of the match were frantic, with Bayern Munich repeatedly threatening Inter's goal. Their efforts finally paid off when Konrad Laimer's cross was headed back across the face of goal, where Thomas Müller, the “space investigator,” lost his marker and prodded the ball into the open net for a poetic equaliser.

However, Bayern's relief at the equaliser seemed to lull them into a false sense of security, as they allowed Inter to score a stunning winner. Nicolò Barella played in Carlos Augusto, who unselfishly squared the ball for Davide Frattesi to finish and silence the Allianz Arena. This result puts Bayern's chances of contesting the final at this ground in serious jeopardy, given their poor record in UCL or European Cup knockout ties after losing the first leg at home. On the other hand, Inter's prospects look bright, as they are favourites to lift both the Serie A and Coppa Italia trophies, and may even have a shot at the treble if they can successfully navigate the second leg.

Michael Olise was proving to be a thorn in Inter's side, and his clever lay-off from Jonas Urbig's long ball created a prime opportunity for Harry Kane to score. However, the England striker agonizingly shot across goal, hitting the outside of the far post. Inter initially escaped punishment for Kane's miss, with Carlos Augusto hitting the side netting at the other end just moments later.