Inter Milan’s treble dream stays alive after thrilling draw with Bayern Munich

Lautaro Martinez leads Inter past Bayern to reach Champions League semi-finals.

Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan celebrates after the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between Inter Milan and Bayern Munich at San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, on April 16, 2025. Photo by Piero Cruciatti/Anadolu

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Inter Milan’s treble dream stays alive after a thrilling 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich on Wednesday night sealed a 4-3 aggregate victory and a place in the Champions League semi-finals. In difficult conditions at the San Siro, goals from Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard overturned Harry Kane’s equaliser before Eric Dier restored parity for Bayern, though it was not enough to deny Inter’s progression.

The Inter Milan treble dream has gathered serious momentum this season. The reigning Serie A champions remain in contention for three major trophies—Serie A, Coppa Italia, and now the UEFA Champions League—echoing their historic 2010 treble under Jose Mourinho.

Late drama seals Inter’s semi-final spot

Inter started cautiously but grew into the game as the first half progressed. With swirling wind and heavy rain disrupting play, it was difficult for either side to gain a firm foothold. Bayern pressed hard before halftime, pushing Inter deep into their own half. Despite the pressure, Inter’s defence held firm with Yann Sommer making key saves.

When Harry Kane equalised on the night just after the break, the tie seemed to be tilting in Bayern’s favour. The England striker showed class and composure, rifling a low shot past Sommer in the 52nd minute to bring the aggregate score to 3-3. At that point, Inter Milan’s treble dream looked to be in jeopardy.

But the San Siro roared to life. Just minutes later, Martinez put Inter back in the driver’s seat. The Argentine striker, so often Inter’s talisman in big matches, controlled a corner and smashed the ball into the net, sending home fans into raptures.

Then came Pavard’s decisive moment. The defender, who once played for Bayern, rose highest to meet another corner and powered a header into the goal, turning the tie irreversibly in Inter’s favour. It was 4-3 on aggregate, and despite Dier’s late equaliser, the job was done.

Inzaghi’s men show resilience

Inter manager Simone Inzaghi hailed his team’s mental strength and tactical discipline after the match. “We don’t give up, we have personality and heart and intelligence,” said Lautaro Martinez, who captained the side in the absence of regular skipper Samir Handanovic. “We were definitely on the back foot at times today but we showed again that we can do great things.”

Indeed, Inter’s Champions League run this season has showcased more than just talent—it has displayed unity, belief, and an ability to perform under pressure. The side that reached the final two years ago and fell narrowly to Manchester City now appears better equipped for the biggest stage.

Rain, wind, and protest set the stage

Wednesday’s match was played in near-unplayable conditions. Torrential rain and gusting winds made control difficult, while a fan protest added further tension. For the first 20 minutes, the Curva Nord remained silent in opposition to rising ticket prices. The atmosphere changed dramatically when they began to sing—and so did Inter’s tempo.

The rain was so intense at times that crosses veered unpredictably, and players struggled with their footing. A deflected shot from Acerbi nearly fell to Marcus Thuram, while Calhanoglu’s thunderous strike narrowly missed the target.

Despite the weather, the match turned into a spectacle. Kane threatened to score a second, but Sommer was alert to the danger. Bayern continued to probe, with Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala both creating chances, but the final pass or shot was always missing.

Pavard’s moment of glory and Bayern’s exit

When Pavard scored against his former club, it was not just a decisive moment in the match—it was a statement. Bayern had no answer after that. Injuries to key players like Joshua Kimmich and Dayot Upamecano left the German side vulnerable, and Kompany’s debut European campaign as Bayern boss came to an end.

Kompany admitted his side lacked cutting edge in the final third. “When you look at how the two games went, we wouldn't have wished for a lot different, except the goals we conceded. That's football, that's life,” said the former Manchester City captain.

Inter now eye Barcelona in Champions League semis

Next up for Inter is a mouth-watering semi-final clash with Barcelona. The first leg will be played at Camp Nou, with the second leg back in Milan on May 6. Memories of 2010 are still fresh for Inter fans, when they defeated Barcelona in the semis on their way to lifting the trophy in Madrid.

This time, the stakes are equally high. With Serie A leaders Inter three points ahead of Napoli and still alive in the Coppa Italia, the dream of another treble feels increasingly realistic.

Martinez emphasized the team’s mindset: “We think about winning everything at the start of every season, because if we don’t then we shouldn’t play this sport. That’s our mentality.”

The treble talk gets louder

Inter have become one of the most balanced teams in Europe this season. With Sommer proving reliable in goal, Pavard and Acerbi strong in defence, and Calhanoglu running midfield, there is cohesion in every area of the pitch. Martinez and Thuram continue to terrorize defences, with Pavard now adding goals from set-pieces.

Simone Inzaghi has taken a team that was full of potential and turned it into a cohesive, battle-hardened unit. Unlike 2023 when they surprised many by reaching the final, this season Inter have done so with authority and consistency.

Whether or not they complete the treble remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the Inter Milan treble dream is more than just a fantasy—it’s a real possibility.

What’s next for Inter and Bayern?

Inter will now turn their attention to domestic action, with a crucial Serie A clash against Roma up next before the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against AC Milan. The coming weeks will define their season, but with the form they are in, few would bet against them.

Bayern, on the other hand, must regroup. Their Bundesliga title bid continues, but questions remain over their squad depth and the long-term suitability of Vincent Kompany as head coach. With Champions League elimination confirmed, Bayern will be under pressure to deliver domestically.

For now, though, the spotlight shines on Inter Milan. From the rain-soaked drama of the San Siro to the promise of another showdown with Barcelona, the Nerazzurri are writing another historic chapter. The Inter Milan treble dream lives on—and it’s gathering pace with every match.

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