Vincent Kompany confident Bayern Munich can turn around Inter Milan defeat in Champions League

Bayern’s coach backs team to qualify for semifinals despite first-leg loss at Allianz Arena.

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany arrives ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in Munich, southern Germany, on April 8, 2025. Photo by Alexandra Beier/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Vincent Kompany confident Bayern Munich can turn around Inter Milan defeat in the Champions League, as he firmly backed his players to overturn the 1-2 loss from the first leg of their quarter-final clash. Despite falling behind in front of their home fans at the Allianz Arena, the Bayern coach remains positive and assured that the second leg in Milan presents a new opportunity for redemption.

Speaking to AFP after the match early Wednesday WIB, Kompany said, "We are confident and it was a shame that Inter scored in the last minutes, but we will have another chance in Milan, that's how we feel. We are completely confident in our chances in Milan."

The Belgian manager’s remarks come after a match that saw Bayern dominate possession and chances but struggle with finishing. Across the ninety minutes, Bayern registered 20 shots, five of which were categorized as clear-cut opportunities. However, only one goal—scored by Thomas Müller—made it past Inter’s resilient goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

From the outset, Bayern Munich controlled the tempo of the game. They passed with precision, pressed with intensity, and carved open Inter’s backline several times. Yet, for all their superiority in terms of statistics, the scoreline did not reflect their effort.

"In the first half we were very dominant. We had clear chances and should have scored more goals," Kompany said, emphasizing the missed opportunities that might have changed the outcome.

Vincent Kompany also added that while Inter Milan holds a slim advantage, the tie is far from over. "Inter are ahead, but we have to win in Milan. Results are not always fair, but this is the first half," he noted.

The tone was clear: Bayern are not panicking. Instead, they are channeling their focus on what needs to be done in the second leg.

Harry Kane echoes Kompany’s optimism

Striker Harry Kane, who joined Bayern from Tottenham Hotspur last summer with dreams of lifting the Champions League trophy, also voiced his belief that the Bavarians have what it takes to mount a comeback in Milan.

“There are 90 minutes to play and we have the players to turn it around,” said Kane, who was involved in many attacking plays but couldn’t find the net against Sommer.

Kane acknowledged the frustration of the night but remained hopeful. “We created enough chances to hurt them and if we do the same next week, we can turn it around,” he said.

It’s a statement that reflects the mentality Bayern has built its legacy on—resilience, confidence, and a refusal to back down in the face of adversity.

Bayern entered the first leg missing several key players—among them Jamal Musiala, Manuel Neuer, Alphonso Davies, and Dayot Upamecano. For many clubs, the absence of such names would be seen as a valid explanation for a sub-par result. But Kompany refused to lean on that narrative.

“The result is what it is, but we’re not looking for excuses,” he said. “These things happen in football. What matters is how we respond, and I know this team is capable of a big performance.”

Indeed, Bayern has a deep squad filled with talent and experience. Even without some of their usual starters, they were able to keep Inter on the back foot for large spells of the match.

With Inter Milan now heading into the second leg at the San Siro with a 2-1 advantage, Simone Inzaghi's side will look to protect their lead. But history has shown that Bayern Munich are not a team easily counted out—especially in the Champions League knockout rounds.

Their attacking options remain among the best in Europe. Beyond Kane, players like Leroy Sané, Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman, and Thomas Müller all have the potential to decide games. If Kompany can fine-tune the finishing and tighten the transitions, Bayern’s comeback mission could become a reality.

Inter Milan will also be wary. Despite winning the first leg, they know that conceding even one early goal at home could shift the balance dramatically. A high-stakes battle awaits both sides.

What’s next: The second leg in Milan

The return leg is scheduled to take place at the San Siro next week, and it is shaping up to be one of the defining matches of this season’s Champions League. With both teams having strong claims to a semifinal spot, the tie remains wide open.

For Bayern Munich, the path forward is clear. They must win—ideally by more than one goal—to avoid elimination. A 1-0 win would be enough on away goals under old rules, but since UEFA scrapped that rule, Bayern need to beat Inter outright or take it to extra time and penalties.

Vincent Kompany’s message to his squad is simple: believe in the system, stay confident, and be clinical. And based on his post-match comments, the players are echoing that mentality.

As the Champions League quarter-final reaches its climax, Vincent Kompany remains confident Bayern Munich can turn around Inter Milan defeat in the Champions League. His unwavering belief, supported by experienced leaders like Harry Kane, could be the spark Bayern needs in Milan.

Despite the setback in the first leg, the tie is alive. Bayern has the pedigree, the passion, and the players to mount a thrilling comeback. Inter may have taken the first round, but in the words of Kompany: “This is only the first half.”

Next week’s second leg promises tension, excitement, and possibly another chapter in Bayern Munich’s storied European legacy. All eyes now turn to the San Siro, where dreams will either be realized—or shattered.