UEFA Champions League: Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan Preview – April 8, 2025

UEFA Champions League: Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan Preview – April 8, 2025



The UEFA Champions League returns with a heavyweight clash as Bayern Munich welcome Inter Milan to the Allianz Arena for the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. A match steeped in history, quality, and European pedigree, this encounter promises a thrilling display of tactical intelligence and elite-level football. With both sides fighting for continental glory, all eyes will be on Munich for what could be a defining night in this season’s competition.

 

Event Details

  • Fixture: Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan
  • Competition: UEFA Champions League – Quarter-final (1st Leg)
  • Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
  • Kick-off Time: 8:00 PM BST / 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM CET
  • Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
  • Referee: To be confirmed
  • VAR: To be confirmed

How to Watch / Live Stream

  • United Kingdom: TNT Sports, Discovery+
  • United States: Paramount+, CBS Sports Network
  • Canada: DAZN
  • India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV
  • Australia: Stan Sport
  • Online Streams (Global): UEFA.tv (highlights and replays), official club websites

 

Team News

Bayern Munich

Bayern enter this fixture on the back of a turbulent domestic season, with changes in management and inconsistent Bundesliga form. However, their Champions League performances have remained impressive, brushing aside Lazio in the Round of 16. Thomas Tuchel, despite recent criticism, will be expected to deliver in Europe.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Sacha Boey – Ruled out due to a hamstring injury
  • Tarek Buchmann – Long-term injury (knee)
  • Kingsley Coman – Doubtful with a muscular problem
  • Aleksandar Pavloviฤ‡ – Suspended for yellow card accumulation
  • Noussair Mazraoui – Late fitness test

Key Players:

  • Harry Kane – The English striker is having a phenomenal season and will be Bayern’s main threat up front.
  • Jamal Musiala – The young German midfielder is capable of turning a game with his dribbling and creativity.
  • Joshua Kimmich – A leader in midfield, Kimmich’s ability to control tempo and break up play is crucial.

 




Inter Milan

Inter have been one of the most consistent sides in Europe this season under Simone Inzaghi. They overcame Atlรฉtico Madrid in a tense Round of 16 tie and are leading Serie A comfortably. Their squad depth and tactical flexibility make them serious contenders in this competition.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Juan Cuadrado – Out with Achilles tendon issues
  • Stefan de Vrij – Expected to return, but not yet 100% match fit
  • Marko Arnautoviฤ‡ – Minor injury, but may feature off the bench

Key Players:

  • Lautaro Martรญnez – Inter’s captain and top scorer, Martรญnez is in sublime form this season.
  • Hakan ร‡alhanoฤŸlu – Orchestrating the midfield with precision passing and set-piece threat.
  • Alessandro Bastoni – A rock at the back, key to Inter’s defensive structure.

 

Possible Lineups

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1)

  • Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
  • Defenders: Joshua Kimmich, Matthijs de Ligt, Kim Min-jae, Alphonso Davies
  • Midfielders: Leon Goretzka, Konrad Laimer
  • Attacking Midfield: Leroy Sanรฉ, Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry
  • Forward: Harry Kane

Inter Milan (3-5-2)

  • Goalkeeper: Yann Sommer
  • Defenders: Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni
  • Wing-backs: Denzel Dumfries, Federico Dimarco
  • Midfielders: Nicolรฒ Barella, Hakan ร‡alhanoฤŸlu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan
  • Forwards: Marcus Thuram, Lautaro Martรญnez

 

Playing Ground: Allianz Arena

The Allianz Arena is one of Europe’s premier stadiums. With a capacity of around 75,000, it offers an intense and vibrant atmosphere that has historically been intimidating for visiting sides. The stadium’s state-of-the-art design and electric fanbase make it a fortress for Bayern in Champions League nights.

 

Head-to-Head Record

Bayern and Inter share a long-standing rivalry in European competition:

  • Total Matches Played: 9
  • Bayern Wins: 4
  • Inter Wins: 4
  • Draws: 1

Most Recent Meeting:

  • UEFA Champions League Group Stage – November 1, 2022: Bayern 2-0 Inter (Musiala, Choupo-Moting)

Notable Past Encounters:

  • 2010 Champions League Final: Inter 2-0 Bayern (Goals by Diego Milito) – Inter lifted the title under Josรฉ Mourinho
  • 2011 Round of 16: Inter won on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate tie

 

Match Preview & Tactical Breakdown

Bayern Munich’s Approach

Thomas Tuchel is expected to line his team up in a structured 4-2-3-1, focusing on dominating possession and quick transitions through the likes of Musiala and Sanรฉ. With Kane up front, Bayern have a clinical finisher who can capitalize on minimal chances.

Key for Bayern will be:

  • Exploiting Inter’s wing-backs with wide overloads
  • Kimmich's distribution from deep
  • Defensive solidity from De Ligt and Kim Min-jae

However, Bayern’s midfield without Pavloviฤ‡ could be a concern. Inter’s intensity and numbers in the middle of the park might pose a challenge.

Inter Milan’s Tactics

Simone Inzaghi has built one of the most cohesive teams in Europe. Their 3-5-2 formation provides defensive stability and allows for fluid counter-attacks. The Martinez-Thuram partnership is built on movement and pressing, which can unsettle Bayern’s backline.

Tactically, Inter will aim to:

  • Stay compact and break with pace through Dumfries and Dimarco
  • Dominate second balls with ร‡alhanoฤŸlu and Barella
  • Target Bayern’s full-backs when pushing forward

 

Key Battles

  • Harry Kane vs Francesco Acerbi: Kane’s movement and link-up play against the experienced Italian defender will be crucial.
  • Musiala vs Barella: A duel of two high-energy, technical midfielders who can drive their teams forward.
  • Sanรฉ vs Dimarco: Bayern’s pacey winger will look to test Inter’s high-flying wing-back, who may leave space in behind.

 

Prediction

This tie is too close to call, with both teams carrying strengths and a few vulnerabilities. Bayern may have the edge in terms of individual brilliance, but Inter’s cohesion and balance could frustrate them.

Predicted Score: Bayern Munich 2-1 Inter Milan

 

Conclusion

Bayern vs Inter is a classic Champions League battle between two of Europe’s giants. With a mix of tactical sophistication, star power, and historical rivalry, this match is expected to deliver fireworks. Whether it’s Kane’s clinical finishing or Lautaro’s leadership and flair, this quarter-final has all the ingredients of a European classic.

Fans across the globe should prepare for a high-octane 90 minutes at the Allianz Arena — a clash that could very well decide who moves a step closer to lifting the 2025 UEFA Champions League trophy.