Inter Shocks Bayern in Champions League Quarterfinal First Leg

Berlin(The Uttam Hindu):  Bayern Munich suffered their first home defeat in the Champions League in 22 matches, losing 2-1 to Inter Milan in the first leg of their quarterfinal tie at the Allianz Arena. Bayern started strongly, with Michael Olise and Harry Kane testing Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer early on. Raphael Guerreiro had the best chance of the half but was denied by Sommer. The usually clinical Kane squandered a golden opportunity from close range around the 30-minute mark, which seemed to change the flow of the game. Inter capitalized on Bayern's missed chances just before the break. Lautaro Martinez scored a fantastic goal from the edge of the box after a backheel assist from Marcus Thuram, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Bayern pushed forward in the second half but found it difficult to break down Inter's solid defense. Guerreiro and Josip Stanisic came close to equalizing, while Leon Goretzka made a crucial block to deny Inter a second goal. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany made key substitutions, bringing on Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry, and Sacha Boey in search of a breakthrough. The changes nearly paid off as Kane fired wide and had another shot saved by Sommer. But Muller eventually leveled the score in the 85th minute, converting Konrad Laimer's cross from close range. However, Bayern's celebration was short-lived. Just three minutes later, Inter launched a counterattack, with Carlos Augusto finding Davide Frattesi, who slotted the ball into an empty net to give Inter the 2-1 lead.

Bayern now heads to the San Siro for the second leg, needing a comeback to keep their Champions League hopes alive. "We fought hard to come back, and we succeeded, but we should've handled the final moments better," said Muller. "It's 2-1 to Milan after the first leg, not the result we hoped for, but the tie is far from over." Bayern coach Kompany also reflected on the match: "We had our chances in the first half and played with courage. It's disappointing to concede that late goal, but we have the opportunity next week to make it right."