Inter Milan edge out Bayern Munich to reach Champions League semis

Inter Milan booked their place in the Champions League semi-finals with a thrilling draw against Bayern Munich at San Siro Stadium.

The Italian champions led 2-1 from the first leg but their advantage was wiped out by Harry Kane’s crisp, low strike early in the second half.

That goal sparked Inter into life and just nine minutes later they were in front on the night and in complete control of the tie.

First, Lautaro Martinez lashed home from six yards as the ball dropped kindly for him from a corner.

Three minutes later, another corner and this time defender Benjamin Pavard powered in a header from Hakan Calhanoglu’s delivery.

Bayern did not give up though, and with 14 minutes remaining they drew level thanks to Eric Dier’s looping back-post header from a tight angle.

Vincent Kompany’s side pushed for a third goal to force extra time, and in the fifth of six added minutes the chance came but Thomas Muller could not direct his header past Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

Despite the late scare, it is Inter who progress to face Barcelona in a tantalising last-four tie.

A lively start to the match was an indicator of what was to come in the second half, but clear chances were at a premium.

Bayern were on top before the break but Inter defended superbly, showing great organisation as well as commitment when last-ditch tackles were required.

But it only took a slight error for Bayern to pounce after half-time, when Federico Dimarco backed off Kane and the England skipper was able to take his time before firing into the far corner.

Inter’s response was immediate with Marcus Thuram coming close prior to Martinez finding the net for a fifth consecutive Champions League game.

What proved to be the decisive goal was Pavard’s first for Inter, and came against his former club.

Dier’s goal – an inch-perfect header regardless of whether he was going for goal or not – was also his first for Bayern, but it is Pavard and Inter who will remember the night more fondly.

It could have been different had Muller’s header found the corner, or had Kane been able to keep his hooked effort down a couple of minutes earlier.

However, Simone Inzaghi’s experienced side march on with their Treble dreams intact, as they lead Serie A by three points and are in the Coppa Italia semi-finals.

[BBC]