By SpringNewsNG Media Limited | April 9, 2025

In a Champions League night to remember, Inter Milanhttp://Inter Milan delivered a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, with substitute Davide Frattesi emerging as the unlikely hero in stoppage time.

The match exploded into life just before halftime when Lautaro Martínez continued his red-hot form, coolly finishing a devastating counter-attack to give the visitors a precious lead. The Argentine’s clinical strike marked his seventh Champions League goal this season, silencing the Bavarian faithfulhttp://Champions League goal this season, silencing the Bavarian faithful.

Bayern thought they had salvaged a draw when veteran Thomas Müllerhttp://Thomas Müller poached a typical striker’s goal in the 84th minute, capitalizing on Inter’s momentary defensive lapse. The equalizer set up a grandstand finish, but the drama was far from over.

With just three minutes remaining, Nicolò Barella’s visionary pass split Bayern’s defense wide open. Carlos Augusto’s intelligent run and unselfish layoff found Frattesi, who smashed home from close range to send the traveling Inter supporters into ecstasy. The goal marked a dream European debut for the Italian midfielder in this season’s competition.

Tactical Masterclass from Inzaghi
Simone Inzaghi’s game management proved decisive, with his second-half substitutions changing the game. The introduction of Frattesi for the tiring Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the 78th minute proved inspired, giving Inter fresh legs in midfield when they needed it most.

Defensively, the Nerazzurri were superb after taking the lead, with Francesco Acerbi and Benjamin Pavard forming an impenetrable barrier. Yann Sommer’s crucial save from Leroy Sané in the 72nd minute kept his team in the game before the late drama unfolded.

What This Means
The victory gives Inter a crucial advantage heading into next Wednesday’s second leg at San Siro, where they’ve lost just once in all competitions this season. For Bayern, the late collapse raises serious questions about their mental fragility in big games, having now conceded crucial late goals in three of their last five Champions League knockout matches.

With Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund awaiting in the semifinals, Inter have taken a giant step toward repeating their historic 2010 treble. But as Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel warned in his post-match interview: “This tie is far from over.”

SpringNewsNG will bring you exclusive coverage of the second leg buildup, including team news, tactical analysis, and interviews with key players.