Struggling Bayern Bayern Crumble at Home in Champions League: 1-2 Loss to Inter Miamimagischer Mann Müller's Three-Minute Heroics Not Enough
Bayern Munich faces mounting pressure following their home match against Inter Milan
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link The shoestring-Bayern stumble at home on their road to the coveted title. Despite Müller's late goal, the team falls 1-2 to Inter Milan, leaving them under immense pressure ahead of the return leg next week.
"Das Hautreppenzettel" instead of a triumphant homecoming: Bayern's injury-riddled squad suffered a setback in their own stadium during Müller's farewell tour. Regardless of Müller's goal, the team coached by Vincent Kompany lost the Champions League quarterfinal's first leg against Inter Milan 1-2 (0-1) and is now weighing heavily under pressure for the return leg at San Siro next Wednesday (16 April) - they require a "miracle night."
The "Royal Cup" Champions, as Bayern fans viewed their stars on a banner before kickoff, were initially trailing thanks to Lautaro Martínez's stunning goal in the 38th minute. Missing the "magician" Jamal Musiala, Bayern lacked the essential spark. However, Müller brought euphoria to the crowd shortly after his jubilant entrance (85.), only for Davide Frattesi (88.) to ruin the mood. In the semifinals, Inter or Bayern will face the winner of the clash between FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund-but first, the Munich team must tackle the BVB in the Bundesliga top game this Saturday (18:30 CET/Sky).
Kompany initially opted against Müller, who will depart Bayern at the end of the season after 17 professional years. The announcement on Saturday had created quite a stir. However, Müller insisted, "nothing negative remains" between him and the club, as they are "in lockstep."
Kane's Post-Shot
In place of Müller, Raphael Guerreiro started for Musiala, with Bayern also missing Manuel Neuer, Dayot Upamecano, Alphonso Davies, Hiroki Ito, Aleksandar Pavlovic, and Kingsley Coman. Kompany emphasized that he hadn't the slightest desire to complain.
From the outset, the Munich team endeavored to execute their coach's guidelines. They had early opportunities to take the lead, but Yann Sommer was on hand to thwart Michael Olise (7.) and Raphael Guerreiro (20.). The Swiss goalkeeper, who had only allowed two goals in the league phase, was fortunate when Harry Kane hit the outside post from close range (26.).
As anticipated, Inter focused on counterattacks. However, the team coached by Simone Inzaghi initially posed little threat. This changed when Carlos Augusto struck the far post (30.), and soon after when Martínez embarked on a solo run, only to slip at the crucial moment.
Müller Enters and Scores
It didn't take long for the attacker to strike: following a lay-off from former Gladbach player Marcus Thuram, Martínez curled the ball into the top corner with the outside of his foot. This represented Inter's best phase before the break, and their highly-acclaimed defense was now standing tall.
The situation remained unchanged after the break initially. Inter nearly scored the 2-0 through Martínez, but Urbig reacted brilliantly (55.). Despite their efforts, Bayern struggled to find openings. And when there were any, the record champions were hesitant or, like with Guerreiro's shot (65.), unlucky. Müller then narrowly missed the equalizer (82.), but soon made amends. The fans erupted in joy - but Frattesi was quick to respond.
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- The pressure on Bayern Munich is immense as they struggle in the Champions League, having lost 1-2 at home to Inter Milan, despite Thomas Müller's late goal.
- Injuries have hit Bayern hard, particularly the absence of Jamal Musiala, who was not available due to an undisclosed reason, leaving the team lacking that essential spark.
- Despite the setback, Müller, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season, insists there is no hard feelings between him and Bayern, stating that they are "in lockstep."
