UEFA Champions League 2024-25: Frattesi’s Late Strike Hands Inter Dramatic Edge Over Bayern in UCL Thriller

A gripping Champions League quarterfinal first leg between European powerhouses unfolded at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night, as Inter Milan stunned Bayern Munich with an 88th-minute winner from Davide Frattesi.

The Nerazzurri emerged 2-1 victors, halting Bayern’s formidable 22-match unbeaten home record in European competition and edging closer to a dream return to the same venue for the final on May 31.

Lautaro Ignites Inter with First-Half Stunner

The night started brightly for the Bundesliga champions, with Harry Kane almost breaking the deadlock twice inside the opening half-hour. His first opportunity, a tame header, was comfortably saved by Yann Sommer. His second, far more inviting, came in the 26th minute when he found himself unmarked in the area. With the goal beckoning, Kane’s curled effort struck the outside of the post—an uncharacteristic miss that left the England captain on his knees, head in hands.

Inter, meanwhile, seized their chance ten minutes later through Lautaro Martínez. The Argentine maestro initiated the move from midfield and capped it off with a thunderous finish into the top corner. After combining with Carlos Augusto and Marcus Thuram in a flowing attacking sequence, Lautaro rifled in his sixth goal in four Champions League appearances.

Bayern’s Resilience Leads to Late Equalizer

Despite trailing at halftime, Bayern came out swinging in the second period. Though their squad was ravaged by injuries—most notably the absence of Jamal Musiala—the hosts steadily applied pressure on Inter’s backline. Substitute Thomas Müller, who recently announced his upcoming departure from the club, provided the breakthrough in the 85th minute.

Müller pounced on a clever pass from Konrad Laimer, who had recycled a cross to the far post, poking home from close range. The veteran’s goal looked set to earn Bayern a hard-fought draw and gave hope for a dramatic comeback narrative.

“Tonight wasn’t a walk in the park and we were not expecting one,” Müller said after the match. “The chances converted were the key. We had a fair few chances, but unfortunately the last counter makes it 2-1. Otherwise it would be 1-1, a good fightback and the Muller story would have played out.”

Frattesi Shatters Munich Momentum with Late Winner

Just when Bayern seemed poised to finish strongly, Inter delivered a hammer blow on the counter. The German side’s desperation to chase a second goal left gaps in their defensive shape, and the Italians capitalized with precision. Nicolò Barella released Carlos Augusto on the flank, who surged forward and squared the ball to Frattesi. The substitute timed his run perfectly and calmly guided the ball into the net from close range, igniting wild celebrations in the away section.

It marked a historic result for the Nerazzurri, who had previously lost their last two encounters with Bayern in the 2022-23 group stage. Yet, Tuesday’s triumph evoked memories of their famous 2010 Champions League final victory over the same opponent—a win that completed a remarkable treble.

A Test of Nerves Awaits at San Siro

While the victory in Munich sets Inter up nicely, the job is far from finished. The return leg at San Siro next Wednesday promises to be another epic, with a place in the semifinals—against either Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund—on the line.

Both managers will be mindful of their respective absentees and fitness concerns, with intensity and discipline likely to define the reverse fixture. For Bayern, a response is imperative. For Inter, a chance to cement their European resurgence looms large.

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