Inter Milan are making a habit of winning dramatic games, showing the grit and composure that define true Champions League contenders.
Bayern Munich stretched them to the limit, but they emerged again on the right side of chaos. That makes it two semi-final appearances in three years under Simone Inzaghi.
The old San Siro roared again. Wind-whipped, waterlogged, but defiant. This stadium continues to provide unforgettable European nights, and Tuesday was another chapter.
A 2-2 draw on the night was enough thanks to their 2-1 win in Munich. The quarter-final tie was not straightforward.
When Harry Kane equalised on aggregate with a clinical low drive, the momentum swung Bayern’s way. But Inter stayed calm, exactly as Inzaghi had asked of them.
“We kept cool heads,” the coach said afterwards. “We stayed in the game, stayed clear-headed and turned it around.”
Lautaro Martinez, quiet for much of the game, smashed in after a rebound to restore their aggregate lead.
Three minutes later, Benjamin Pavard rose to head home a Calhanoglu corner, completing a rapid-fire comeback that sent the home fans wild.
Even when Eric Dier looped in a late header to make it 4-3 on aggregate, Inter refused to panic. The San Siro shook, but their defence held firm.
Yann Sommer made a big save from Michael Olise, and Kane hooked over in stoppage time. That was as close as Bayern got.
This was a victory forged in resilience. Inzaghi praised his team’s sacrifice, noting how each player helped the other and bought into the collective effort.
“That’s the only way to beat a side like Bayern Munich,” he added.
Inter’s response to adversity across both legs was immediate and impressive. Each time Bayern struck, Inter hit back within minutes. That kind of mental strength is precious at this level.
They will now face Barcelona in the semi-finals. No one will underestimate them now.
Inzaghi admitted he is hoping for a fully fit squad by then, but also noted how significant this achievement is already.
“Not everyone gets to the Champions League semi-final,” he said. “We’re very happy – and we want our journey to keep going.”
