Bayern Munich Vs Inter Milan Prediction: The First Duel After 15 Years Of Tak Sua

Leroy Sane, Bayern Munich winger who will threaten Inter Milan (photo: x @FCBayernEN)

JAKARTA Almost 15 years since their iconic meeting in the 2009-2010 Champions League final, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan met again on the European stage. This time, the two will compete for each other's strength to fight for tickets to the semifinals of the Champions League this season, starting from the first leg of the quarter-finals at the Allianz Arena, Tuesday night, April 8 local time, or Wednesday morning WIB.

Bayern, who now lead the Bundesliga standings, impressed after eliminating Bayer Leverkusen with a 5-0 aggregate in the round of 16. Meanwhile, Inter Milan eliminated Feyenoord with a 4-1 aggregate victory.

Under Vincent Kompany's tutelage, Bayern took their revenge against Leverkusen's unbeaten team last season with two dominant wins (3-0 at home and 2-0 away). With these results, Bayern qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals for the 23rd time in history and for the sixth season in a row.

Bayern are also still unbeaten in their last 22 home games in the Champions League, making the Allianz Arena a frightening fort. They also still have a chance to win a double title this season, having won 3-1 over Augsburg in the Bundesliga last Friday and six points ahead of Leverkusen.

However, the victory was paid dearly for with a severe muscle injury suffered by Jamal Musiala, who will most likely miss until the end of the season. The absence of Musiala was a major blow in Bayern's attempt to penetrate the solid-known backline of Inter.

Simone Inzaghi's side came into this game with an incredible defensive record, only conceding two goals from 10 Champions League games this season Best among all participants.

After a 2-1 win in the second leg against Feyennoord through goals from Marcus Thuram and Hakan Calhanoglu, the Nerazzurri confirmed a place in the top eight with a 4-1 convincing aggregate. However, their performance last weekend was quite disappointing when they only drew 2-2 against Parma after winning two goals.

The draw adds to Inter's unsatisfactory record in away matches, where they have won only two of their last eight away games in all competitions. Inter also have bad memories of against Bayern recently, having lost twice (candang and away) in the group phase of the 2022-2023 season.

The winner of this match will face Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund in the semifinals.

Bayern will lose several key players to this match. Apart from Musiala who is confirmed to be absent, Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano also suffered serious knee injuries. Manuel Neuer (betis) and Kingsley Coman (unexplained) are doubtful. However, Harry Kane, who was seen using an ice compress on his ankle, is sure to be ready to appear and lead the front line.

Kane became the first England player to score 10 goals in a Champions League season, and will be Bayern's main focus on breaking into the Inter defense. Thomas Muller, who will leave Bayern at the end of the season, most likely replaces Musiala in the attacking line.

From the Inter camp, Alessandro Bastoni's mainstay defender was pulled out against Parma due to a knee injury, but is believed to be fit for this match. Meanwhile, Mehdi Taremi, Piotr Zielinski, and Denzel Dumfries are still injured, and midfielder Kristjan Asllani had to miss the yellow card accumulation.

Zielinski and Asllani's absence paved the way for Davide Frattesi to join Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in midfield, behind the deadly duo Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram.

The classic meeting of the two European giants is certain to be fierce. Bayern will rely on the attacking force and dominance of their cages, while Inter come with solid defense forces and experience playing in big matches. Who will excel in the first leg will determine the direction of this two-legged duel.

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1):Urbig; Laimer, Kim Min-jae, Dier, Guerreiro; Palhinha, Kimmich; Olise, Muller, Sane; Kane

Inter Milan (3-5-2):Sommer; Acerbi, Bisseck, Bastoni; Darmian, Calhanoglu, Frattesi, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Lautaro Martinez