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In a pulsating 2-2 draw that had everything—from caution to chaos, brilliance to heart-stopping drama—Inter Milan delivered a performance that, as Gazzetta dello Sport described, encapsulated “the history of Inter Milan in ninety minutes.”
The Nerazzurri’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night at the Fussball Arena was anything but routine. While they had a slender lead from the first leg, their task in Munich was far from straightforward—and it showed.
A Cautious Start and a Wake-Up Call
Inter entered the tie with a defensive mindset, clearly intent on managing their aggregate lead. The first half was conservative, with Simone Inzaghi’s men seemingly content to keep the tempo low and the scoreboard quiet.
But Bayern Munich, relentless as ever, took full advantage of Inter’s passivity. Just after the break, Harry Kane struck with clinical precision to level the tie on aggregate. The Allianz Arena erupted—and Inter had no choice but to respond.
Inter’s Rousing Fightback
It was Kane’s goal that jolted the Nerazzurri into life.
In a flurry of high-intensity football that followed, Inter suddenly flipped the switch. They surged forward, no longer content to sit back and soak up pressure. Their reward came swiftly.
Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard both found the net from corner situations, turning the tide and putting Inter firmly back in control of the tie. Their goals reflected not only skill but sheer determination—a trait that has long been woven into the DNA of the club.
The Drama Wasn’t Over Yet – “Pazza Inter” Lives On
But it wouldn’t be Pazza Inter—“Crazy Inter”—without some last-minute nerves.
With the match seemingly under control, Inter were dealt a late scare when Eric Dier’s looping header beat Yann Sommer, aided by a gust of Munich wind and a touch of misfortune.
Suddenly, Bayern were back within one goal of forcing extra time, and the final minutes became a test of Inter’s resolve. The German side poured forward with wave after wave of pressure, forcing the visitors to defend with everything they had.
Digging Deep to Seal a Famous Result
It was, as described, a “long heart-in-mouth moment” for Inter. But they held firm. The final whistle was met with relief and euphoria as Inter booked their place in the Champions League semi-finals.
This wasn’t just a draw. It was a showcase of resilience, character, and a legacy that stretches from Helenio Herrera’s Grande Inter to Jose Mourinho’s treble winners.
Inzaghi’s men had to suffer, but they did it their way. And now, they march on—battle-tested and brimming with belief.
The stage is set for the semifinals. Inter Milan are back in the thick of European glory.
