Lautaro Martinez leads Inter Milan to stunning win over Bayern Munich in Champions League

Inter’s captain praises 'complete performance' as Inzaghi’s men shock Bayern in first-leg thriller.

Champions League quarter-final first leg between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan at Allianz Arena on April 8, 2025, in Munich, Bavaria. Milan’s Lautaro Martinez celebrates after scoring to give his side a 1–0 lead. Photo by Tom Weller/dpa

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Lautaro Martinez leads Inter Milan to a stunning win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final, calling it a "complete performance" after his side pulled off a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Allianz Arena. The Nerazzurri captain not only found the back of the net but also led by example in a match that marked one of the most memorable nights for Inter on the European stage in over a decade.

The match, played early Wednesday WIB, saw Lautaro score Inter’s opening goal in the 38th minute. His precise finish silenced the Bavarian crowd and gave Simone Inzaghi’s side the momentum they needed to challenge one of Europe’s most feared home teams. Though Bayern Munich equalized late through veteran Thomas Müller, it took just three minutes for Davide Frattesi to restore Inter’s lead in the 88th minute, leaving the German champions stunned.

"It was a complete performance. I’m very happy because once again on a difficult pitch, the players showed who they are," Lautaro Martinez told Sky Germany after the game. The Argentine now has seven Champions League goals this season, making him one of the standout performers of the campaign.

Inter makes history with fifth consecutive Champions League win

The victory was more than just a good result—it was historic. Inter Milan have now won five straight matches in the Champions League, their best run in the competition since their 2010 treble-winning season under José Mourinho. The win at the Allianz Arena was their first ever at that venue, and it snapped Bayern Munich’s incredible 22-match unbeaten streak at home in the Champions League.

For Lautaro Martinez, the win was proof of the team’s growth and unity. “We’ve built something special here, and performances like this are the reward. Every player gave their all tonight,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by Inter boss Simone Inzaghi, who was visibly emotional after the full-time whistle. “Even in the 91st minute we didn’t stop thinking about how to win the game, even though we had conceded just moments earlier,” said the coach. “It was a great performance and it gives us great satisfaction, but we have to follow up on what we did here in seven days.”

Inzaghi's tactical masterclass and Sommer's homecoming

Much of Inter’s success in Munich can be attributed to Inzaghi’s tactical discipline. The Italian manager set up his side to absorb pressure and counter at speed—a strategy that worked to perfection. Bayern dominated possession for large stretches, especially in the first half, but Inter remained compact and dangerous on the break.

Goalkeeper Yann Sommer also played a significant role in the victory. The Swiss international, who joined Inter in 2023 after a spell with Bayern, pulled off a string of crucial saves against his former club. Despite the emotional connection, Sommer was all business.

“I think it’s dangerous to go into the game to try and draw 0-0. We want to go further and that requires a great performance,” Sommer said, already looking ahead to the second leg at the San Siro.

Bayern stunned but not out

While Inter Milan celebrated a famous night, Bayern Munich were left to reflect on a rare home defeat. It was their first Champions League loss at the Allianz since 2018, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time.

Manager Thomas Tuchel, who had guided his team confidently through the group stage, admitted after the match that his side were second-best on the night. “We had control in the first half but didn’t take our chances. In the second half, they were more aggressive and we didn’t respond well,” said Tuchel.

Thomas Müller, who thought he had saved the day with his 85th-minute equalizer, looked dejected after the final whistle. "We made one mistake too many, and they punished us for it," he admitted.

Looking ahead to the second leg

The return fixture at the San Siro promises to be electric. Inter Milan now carry a one-goal advantage and the comfort of playing at home, where they have been nearly unstoppable this season. But Lautaro Martinez and his teammates know the job is only half done.

"We’ve given ourselves a great opportunity, but this tie is far from over," said Lautaro. "We have to stay focused and play with the same intensity next week. Bayern are a world-class team—they can hurt you in an instant."

Simone Inzaghi echoed those thoughts, saying, “This is only part one. We respect Bayern too much to think we’re already through. We have to finish the job in Milan.”

With the second leg set for next week, anticipation is building. Inter fans will be eager to see their team take another step toward their first Champions League semifinal appearance in over a decade. Bayern, meanwhile, will arrive in Italy looking for redemption and determined to show why they’ve been one of Europe’s elite clubs for so long.

A night to remember, a battle yet to come

Lautaro Martinez leads Inter Milan to a stunning win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final, but the road to the semis is still paved with challenges. Wednesday's victory was a powerful statement from a team many had doubted at the start of the season. With confidence, cohesion, and a captain in top form, Inter are dreaming big—but they know full well that Bayern will fight back.

As the world turns its attention to Milan for the second leg, one thing is clear: this tie is not just about tactics or goals. It’s about mentality, leadership, and moments of magic—the very elements that Lautaro and Inter delivered in Munich.

Stay tuned, because the story isn't over yet.