Bayern Munich’s hopes of advancing to the Champions League semi-finals took a hit after they were beaten 2-1 by Inter Milan in the first leg of their quarter-final.
Despite a late rally, the German side found themselves trailing as Inter Milan took advantage of key moments in the game.
Harry Kane’s Missed Opportunity Haunts Bayern Munich
Bayern’s defeat could have looked very different if Harry Kane had taken a golden opportunity to give his side the lead early in the match.
In the 25th minute, Kane had a close-range chance after being set up by Michael Olise, but he fluffed his lines, failing to convert.
Just ten minutes later, Lautaro Martinez capitalized on the missed chance, breaking the deadlock for Inter Milan.
Kane’s miss in the first half loomed large, with Thomas Muller admitting that the missed opportunity could have altered the outcome.
“We unfortunately missed a big chance in the first half with Harry, that would’ve given us a different feeling,” Muller said after the match.
Inter Milan’s Control and Physicality Prove Too Much
While Bayern struggled to capitalize on their chances, Inter Milan were clinical when it mattered.
Martinez and Davide Frattesi scored for the Italian side, putting them in a strong position ahead of the second leg.
Bayern created opportunities in the second half, but failed to convert, with Muller’s 85th-minute goal proving to be too little, too late.
Muller acknowledged Inter’s skill in controlling the pace of the game and their ability to slow things down when needed.
“Inter have good players with the ball who are able to take the pace off the game and slow it down, then play long balls to their strikers,” he said.
Bayern’s Champions League Hopes Rest on Kane’s Shoulders
Although Kane missed a critical chance in this match, his overall contribution to Bayern’s season cannot be overstated.
The English striker has been in sensational form, with 34 goals in 40 appearances this season, including 10 in the Champions League.
Since joining from Tottenham for £100 million in 2023, Kane has netted 78 goals in 85 games across all competitions.
Now, Bayern will need Kane to step up again in the return leg next week if they hope to overturn their first-leg deficit and keep their Champions League dreams alive.