Inter edge Bayern to reach Champions League semis

Inter Milan booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the second time in three seasons, emerging from a tense encounter against Bayern Munich with a 4-3 aggregate victory after a 2-2 draw in the second leg at San Siro.

A tight contest shaped by set-pieces

Harry Kane had briefly drawn Bayern level in the tie with a well-placed low strike early in the second half. But Inter responded swiftly and decisively through Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard, whose goals within six minutes of each other proved the difference over two legs. Eric Dier pulled one back late on for the German champions, but it wasn't enough.

The tie began with Inter holding a narrow 2-1 advantage from the first leg, secured through a late goal by Davide Frattesi in Munich. With key players Jamal Musiala, Manuel Neuer, Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano absent, Bayern came into the return leg in Milan needing to attack.

Early efforts from Thomas Muller and Michael Olise signaled Bayern’s intent, while Inter tested young goalkeeper Jonas Urbig, who stood strong against Marcus Thuram. The game remained open, with both sides finding space to threaten.

Before halftime, Yann Sommer—facing his former club—stepped up with crucial saves to deny Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sane, preserving Inter’s slim aggregate advantage.

Second-half drama at San Siro

Bayern’s persistence paid off just after the break when Kane netted a precise finish inside the box to level the tie on aggregate. But the joy was short-lived. A failed clearance from a corner allowed Martinez to blast home the equalizer on the night and restore Inter’s lead in the tie. Moments later, Pavard rose highest from another set-piece, heading in from close range to put Inter in command.

Dier’s looping header from a short-corner routine cut the deficit back to one with under 15 minutes left. Bayern pushed hard in added time, but Inter’s defense stood firm, sealing a semi-final clash with Barcelona—a rematch of their classic 2010 encounter.

Inter Milan player ratings (3-5-2)

• GK: Yann Sommer – 6.5
  Solid and composed, key first-half saves helped keep Inter in control.

• CB: Benjamin Pavard – 7.3
  Scored the tie-winning goal and defended confidently against his former side.

• CB: Francesco Acerbi – 7.1
  Read the game well, limiting Bayern’s threat through the middle.

• CB: Alessandro Bastoni – 6.7
  Reliable if unspectacular, contributed to a solid back line.

• RM: Matteo Darmian – 7.2
  Worked tirelessly up and down the flank, effective in both phases.

• CM: Nicolo Barella – 6.8
  Covered plenty of ground but had limited influence in the final third.

• CM: Hakan Calhanoglu – 7.4
  Directed play with authority and nearly scored with a long-range effort.

• CM: Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7.1
  Smart positioning and calm on the ball in key moments.

• LM: Federico Dimarco – 7.4
  Delivered dangerous balls into the box and helped stretch Bayern.

• ST: Marcus Thuram – 6.7
  Involved early on, but couldn't find a breakthrough.

• ST: Lautaro Martinez (c) – 8.4
  Led by example, crucial goal swung momentum back to Inter.

Substitutes:
Carlos Augusto (73') – 6.3
Mehdi Taremi (81') – N/A
Yann Aurel Bisseck (87') – N/A
Davide Frattesi (87') – N/A

Bayern Munich player ratings (4-2-3-1)

• GK: Jonas Urbig – 6.1
  Made several strong saves but lacked command on corners.

• RB: Konrad Laimer – 6.9
  Energetic throughout, offered width but struggled with Dimarco.

• CB: Eric Dier – 7.9
  Bayern’s standout performer, scored late header to give hope.

• CB: Kim Min-jae – 6.0
  Struggled with the pace of Inter’s counter-attacks.

• LB: Josip Stanisic – 7.0
  Solid contribution both defensively and moving forward.

• CM: Leon Goretzka – 7.0
  Battled hard in midfield, linked play effectively.

• CM: Joshua Kimmich – 6.9
  Neat in possession, lacked his usual incisiveness.

• RM: Michael Olise – 7.2
  Created several openings and tested Sommer.

• AM: Thomas Muller (c) – 7.0
  Final Champions League appearance for Bayern, brought experience.

• LM: Leroy Sane – 6.5
  Lively but wasteful in the final third.

• ST: Harry Kane – 8.1
  Clinical finish and tireless pressing made him Bayern’s main threat.

Substitutes:
Raphael Guerreiro (65') – 7.0
Serge Gnabry (65') – 7.5
Kingsley Coman (84') – N/A
Aleksandar Pavlovic (84') – N/A

Inter’s blend of resilience, sharp finishing and set-piece effectiveness proved enough to overcome Bayern’s depth and determination. With Barcelona awaiting in the semi-finals, the Nerazzurri now face a familiar foe and a chance to rekindle memories of their 2010 European triumph.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for all the latest updates and in-depth coverage of the Champions League semi-finals.