Bayern Compelled to Conquer the Fortress of Sturdy Inter

The quarter-final tie of the Champions League, deemed the most balanced after the first leg, arrives at Giuseppe Meazza posing a significant challenge for Bayern. The 1-2 result from the initial clash in Munich compels the German champions to assault the fortress of Inter Milan, a solid unit as evidenced by the mere three goals conceded by the 'Nerazzurri' in eleven Champions League encounters.

Vincent Kompany's team relies on the positive footballing sensations on their home turf, a dominance that, however, presents a less favourable reading, as Inter requires minimal effort to strike with force. The Serie A leaders were outperformed at Allianz Arena in terms of ball possession and attacks on the rival area, yet demonstrated a lethal strike through goals by Lautaro Martínez and Frattesi, withstanding the Bavarian onslaughts beyond the goal by veteran Müller and the unusual lack of precision from striker Harry Kane.

The inspiration of the voracious English forward will be crucial in the German attempt at a comeback. Bayern also calls upon the imbalance on the wings by Olise and Sané, and the experience of stalwarts like Kimmich, Goretzka, and Müller. Their goalkeeping offers fewer guarantees, with the significant absence of Neuer, replaced as best as possible by Urbig, and a defence that is far from its former glory.

Opposite stands the consolidated scheme with three centre-backs and wing-backs of Simone Inzaghi, enhanced by the solidity of Çalhanoglu and Mkhitaryan and the talent of Barella in the engine room, in addition to the threat posed by the offensive duo of Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez. The formula that has served Inter to dominate Italian football in recent times and also led them to the 2023 Champions League final, something they now dream of repeating.

Inter Milan: Sommer, Darmian, Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dimarco, Barella, Çalhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Lautaro, and Thuram.

Bayern Munich: Urbig, Laimer, Dier, Kim, Stanisic, Kimmich, Goretzka, Olise, Müller, Sané, and Kane.

Referee: Slavko Vincic (Slovenia).

Stadium: Giuseppe Meazza.

Time and TV: 21:00 h. Movistar Liga de Campeones 2.