When the draw paired Inter Milan and Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals, fans braced for a classic European showdown. The first leg in Munich ended 2-1 to Inter, and by the time the second leg rolled around at San Siro on April 16, 2025, both sides had everything to play for. This piece breaks down exactly who started, who scored, and what it means for both clubs going forward.

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Match Date: 16 Apr 2025 · Competition: UEFA Champions League · Inter Formation: 3-5-2 · Bayern Key Player: Harry Kane · Previous Result: Bayern 1-2 Inter (8 Apr 2025)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Inter confirmed lineup: Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni (Bulinews)
  • Bayern confirmed lineup: Urbig; Laimer, Dier, Kim, Stanišić; Goretzka, Kimmich; Olise, Müller, Sané; Kane (FotMob)
  • Match ended 2-2, Inter advanced 4-3 on aggregate (FotMob)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact kick-off time varied across sources (21:00 CET vs 19:00 UTC)
  • Full Inter substitutes list for second leg not fully confirmed
  • Detailed pre-match injury reports still being verified
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Inter face Barcelona in Champions League semi-finals (UEFA)
  • Multiple players at risk of suspension for booking accumulation (UEFA)
  • Bayern must regroup for domestic and European ambitions (UEFA)
Field Value
Competition UEFA Champions League
Date 16 Apr 2025
Inter GK Yann Sommer
Bayern Forward Harry Kane
Recent Score Bayern 1-2 Inter
Second Leg Result 2-2
Aggregate 4-3 Inter
Attendance 75,625
Venue San Siro (Giuseppe Meazza)

What are the Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich lineups?

The confirmed starting XI for both clubs reflected months of tactical preparation and the high stakes of a Champions League quarter-final. Inter Milan under coach Simone Inzaghi lined up in a familiar 3-5-2 formation, while Bayern Munich deployed a 4-2-3-1 system under coach Vincent Kompany.

Inter Milan starting XI

  • Goalkeeper: Yann Sommer
  • Defenders: Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni
  • Midfielders: Matteo Darmian, Nicolò Barella, Hakan Çalhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco
  • Forwards: Marcus Thuram, Lautaro Martínez

The lineup was confirmed by multiple sources including Bulinews and matched predictions from UEFA closely. Inter’s back three offered experience and solidity, with Acerbi anchoring the center while Bastoni and Pavard covered the flanks.

Bayern Munich starting XI

  • Goalkeeper: Jonas Urbig
  • Defenders: Konrad Laimer, Eric Dier, Minjae Kim, Josip Stanišić
  • Midfielders: Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich
  • Attacking midfielders: Michael Olise, Thomas Müller, Leroy Sané
  • Forward: Harry Kane

Bayern’s lineup featured Jonas Urbig in goal, still yet to concede in the Champions League since replacing the injured Manuel Neuer. The side included experienced campaigners like Thomas Müller and Joshua Kimmich alongside emerging talents.

Substitutes for both teams

Bayern’s substitutes included Palhinha, Peretz, Boey, Vidović, and Pavlović according to FC Bayern’s official page. Inter’s bench depth proved crucial as the tie remained competitive throughout both legs.

Bottom line: Inter’s lineup stayed true to Inzaghi’s preferred 3-5-2 system, with experience throughout. Bayern relied on Urbig’s recent clean sheet record and Kane’s 10 Champions League goals to drive their attack.

Who won the Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan?

The quarter-final tie was decided across two legs, with the aggregate score telling only part of the story. Bayern Munich won the first leg 1-2 at the Allianz Arena, but Inter Milan clinched the tie with a strong showing at San Siro.

Recent match result

The second leg on April 16, 2025 ended 2-2 at San Siro before a crowd of 75,625, according to Sky Sports. Combined with the first leg result, Inter advanced 4-3 on aggregate.

Scoreline details

Goals in the second leg came from Lautaro Martínez at 58 minutes, Benjamin Pavard at 61 minutes for Inter, Harry Kane at 52 minutes for Bayern, and Eric Dier at 76 minutes for Bayern. The match was level at half-time, 0-0, before the goals began flowing after the break.

Pavard haunts former side as hosts battle into last four.

— FotMob Match Report

Inter will look to keep an impressive ninth Champions League clean sheet this season.

— Sports Illustrated Preview

Pavard’s goal was particularly emotional given his history at Bayern, where he spent several seasons before joining Inter. His strike on 61 minutes gave Inter the lead on the night and a crucial advantage on aggregate.

The implication:

Bayern dominated large stretches of the second leg but ultimately could not overcome their first-leg deficit. The 2-2 draw at San Siro felt like a lost opportunity for a Bayern side that created numerous chances.

What are the predicted lineups for Inter vs Bayern?

Predicted lineups from UEFA.com and Sports Illustrated closely matched the actual confirmed selections, suggesting solid pre-match intelligence across both camps.

FotMob predictions

FotMob’s predicted lineups for the second leg closely aligned with the confirmed XIs. Both formations matched exactly: Inter in 3-5-2 and Bayern in 4-2-3-1.

Sky Sports lineups

Sky Sports’ team pages confirmed the attendance at San Siro and listed the confirmed substitutes for Bayern, validating the squad depth both clubs brought to the tie. Fans can find Liverpool vs Athletic Club lineups and Arsenal vs Real Madrid history for related content.

What this means:

The minimal deviation between predictions and confirmed lineups indicates both coaches had settled on their preferred approaches well before match day. No major surprises meant the tactical battle played out largely as expected.

Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan stats?

Beyond the lineups, several key statistics shaped the narrative of this quarter-final tie and reveal the tactical battle lines drawn between the two clubs.

Head-to-head record

In the last five meetings between these clubs, Bayern Munich had won 3 times while Inter Milan won twice, with no draws. However, the historical context runs deeper: Inter famously defeated Bayern 2-0 in the 2010 Champions League final, and the clubs met again in the 2010-11 Round of 16, where Inter advanced on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate.

Key player stats

Harry Kane leads Bayern with 10 Champions League goals this season, placing him second in the golden boot race. Lautaro Martínez leads Inter with six Champions League goals. Inter had kept nine clean sheets in the competition prior to the second leg, while Bayern’s Urbig was yet to concede in the Champions League since replacing the injured Neuer.

Why this matters

Kane’s 10 goals represented Bayern’s main attacking threat throughout the tie, while Inter’s defensive record—including that ninth clean sheet milestone—proved their foundation for success. The contrast between Bayern’s attacking firepower and Inter’s defensive solidity defined the tactical battle.

Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich 2010 lineups?

The clubs have a rich history in European competition, with encounters dating back to the José Mourinho era when Inter last won the Champions League.

Historical lineups

The 2010 Champions League final saw Inter line up with Júlio César in goal, Maicon, Lucio, and Walter Samuel in defense. Bayern’s lineup featured Manuel Neuer in goal with a defensive unit built around Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Diego Milito scored both goals in Inter’s 2-0 victory that sealed the treble.

Match recap

The 2010 final at the Santiago Bernabéu remains one of the defining moments in Inter’s modern history, with Mourinho’s tactical masterclass defeating Bayern’s attacking ambitions. The clubs met again in the 2010-11 Round of 16, with Inter advancing on away goals after a dramatic 3-3 aggregate tie.

The catch:

While 2010 feels like ancient history, the psychological weight of that final still lingers. Bayern’s desire to avenge that loss adds an edge to every encounter between these clubs that pure footballing logic cannot fully explain.

Additional sources

skysports.com, youtube.com, youtube.com, si.com, fcbayern.com

Inter’s 3-5-2 featuring Sommer, Pavard and Acerbi mirrored the detailed XIs and subs that propelled them past Bayern 4-3 on aggregate.

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Frequently asked questions

What formation will Inter Milan use against Bayern Munich?

Inter Milan used a 3-5-2 formation in both legs of the quarter-final. Coach Simone Inzaghi favored this system throughout the season, with wing-backs Darmian and Dimarco providing width while the midfield trio of Barella, Çalhanoglu, and Mkhitaryan controlled the center of the pitch.

Who is captaining Bayern Munich in this match?

Joshua Kimmich captained Bayern Munich throughout the tie, bringing his leadership experience to the midfield role. Thomas Müller also provided vocal presence in the attacking line, though the captain’s armband remained with Kimmich.

Are there any key injuries affecting the lineups?

Manuel Neuer remained injured and did not feature in either leg, with Jonas Urbig continuing his excellent run in goal. No other major injuries were reported in the confirmed team sheets, though squad rotation decisions reflected the compressed fixture schedule.

Where can I watch Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich?

The match was broadcast through UEFA’s official broadcast partners, with availability varying by region. Highlights and full match replays were available through UEFA.com and club official channels following the final whistle.

What is the referee for the match?

The official referee assignment followed UEFA’s standard rotation for Champions League quarter-finals. Check UEFA.com for the confirmed match officials closer to each fixture date.

How do the lineups compare tactically?

Inter’s 3-5-2 emphasized defensive solidity and quick transitions through Barella and Çalhanoglu. Bayern’s 4-2-3-1 aimed to control midfield through Kimmich and Goretzka while freeing Kane, Sané, and Olise to attack. The tactical contrast created an intriguing chess match throughout both legs.

When were the lineups officially announced?

Official lineups were released approximately 90 minutes before kick-off through UEFA’s official channels and both club websites. Predicted lineups from UEFA.com and major sports outlets appeared in the days leading up to each leg.

The upshot

Inter’s advancement means they will face Barcelona in the semi-finals, setting up another compelling European clash. For Bayern, the defeat compounds a season that promised much but delivered frustration in the Champions League. The focus now shifts to domestic priorities and building for next season’s assault on European glory.

Inter Milan showed exactly why their defensive record matters in knockout football, advancing past Bayern despite Bayern’s quality. For Bayern, the painful aggregate loss highlights the fine margins at this level. For Inter fans, the semi-final against Barcelona represents the biggest test of their Champions League run since that unforgettable 2010 final.