A magnificent night in Munich

Determination, focus and heart. Words that carry a lot of weight and shouldn’t be used lightly, but they fit perfectly tonight. Because this match in Munich was much more than just a first-leg clash in the Champions League quarter-finals. It was a test of character, one of those games that stick in the memory of both the players and the fans watching on. A tough, intense, almost epic evening. Inter dug in and held firm, responding blow for blow inside the Bavarian fortress.

It was only the first act, of course. But if football is also about spirit, and Inter certainly showed that in abundance. It was a memorable European performance, one built on composure, heart, courage and attention to detail. Carlos galloped down the wing and delivered a cross for Thuram, who produced a brilliant backheel for Lautaro. And then came a masterful finish from the captain, who fired home with the outside of his right foot. Magnificent. Bayern went on the attack, hit the post through Kane and finally equalised through Muller late on. But just when it seemed like Inter would have to settle for a draw, Inzaghi’s men responded. Barella played a wonderful pass. Carlos galloped again. Frattesi made a run and scored. Our second goal, and one that gives us a small advantage heading into the second leg.

BAYERN 1-2 INTER

Goalscorers: 38' Lautaro (I), 85' Müller (B), 88' Frattesi (I)

BAYERN MUNICH (4-2-3-1): 40 Urbig; 44 Stanisic, 15 Dier, 3 Kim (75' 23 Boey); 27 Laimer, 8 Goretzka, 6 Kimmich, 22 Guerreiro (75' 7 Gnabry); 17 Olise, 9 Kane, 10 Sané (75' 25 Müller). Substitutes: 18 Peretz, 48 Klanac, 16 Palhinha, 24 Vidović, 41 Kusi-Asare, 43 Jensen, 46 Karl. Head Coach: Vincent Kompany

INTER (3-5-2): 1 Sommer; 28 Pavard, 15 Acerbi, 95 Bastoni; 36 Darmian (79' 31 Bisseck), 23 Barella, 20 Calhanoglu, 22 Mkhitaryan (74' 16 Frattesi), 30 Carlos Augusto; 9 Thuram, 10 Lautaro (89' 59 Zalewski). Substitutes: 12 Di Gennaro, 13 J. Martinez, 6 De Vrij, 8 Arnautovic, 32 Dimarco, 49 De Pieri, 52 Berenbruch, 54 Zanchetta, 56 Re Cecconi. Head Coach: Simone Inzaghi.

Booked: Kim (BM), Lautaro (I), Mkhitaryan, Zalewski (I) Stoppage time: 1' - 4'

Referee: Sandro Schärer (SUI) Assistants: Stéphane De Almeida (SUI) - Jonas Erni (SUI) Fourth official: Lukas Fähndrich (SUI) VAR: Fedayi San (SUI) VAR assistant: Pol van Boekel (NED) SUSPENDED Bayern Munich: - Inter: Asllani ONE BOOKING AWAY FROM SUSPENSION Bayern Munich: Coman, Gnabry, Goretzka, Laimer, Sané Inter: Barella, Bastoni, Dumfries, Pavard, Inzaghi (head coach)