Lautaro Martinez and Nicolo Barella produced impressive performances to help Inter Milan triumph 2-1 at Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
Bayern looked dangerous in the initial stages, with Harry Kane coming close to opening the scoring after his shot hit the crossbar.
However, Inter drew first blood following a swift move.
Martinez fired a blistering strike into the back of the net with the outside of his boot following a brilliant back-heel from his attacking partner Marcus Thuram.
Thomas Muller equalised for Bayern in the 85th minute, but substitute Davide Frattesi scored a stunning volley to secure the win for the Italian giants.
Martinez has had a stellar run in the Champions League this season, netting seven goals in 10 appearances.
The Argentine striker also concluded the game with 94 percent passing accuracy, one big chance created, three recoveries, two interceptions and two successful dribbles.
He also played a crucial role in the counter-attack that led to Frattesi’s winning goal.
Similarly, Barella dominated proceedings in the middle of the park. The 28-year-old played a vital pass to Carlos Augusto in the build-up to the winner.
His extraordinary vision and work rate were pivotal in Inter getting the better of the Bavarians.
He created one big chance, completed two dribbles, five passes into the final third, four accurate long balls and won three duels.
Barella has been at the heart of Inter’s dominance in all competitions this season, bagging three goals and eight assists in 41 appearances.
Martinez and Barella were influential in Inter’s fairy-tale run in the 2022/23 Champions League when they reached the final before losing to Manchester City.
Inter will host Bayern in the second leg on April 16.
