Bayern Munich opened their 2022/23 Champions League campaign with a well-deserved 2-0 win over Inter Milan at the San Siro. The Bavarians outclassed their host in a high-pitched encounter that saw the Italian giants condemned to a defeat in front of their home fans.
Inter XI: Onana; Skriniar, D’Ambrosio, Bastoni; Dumfries, Mkhitaryan, Brozovic, Çalhanoglu, Gosens; Lautaro Martínez, Dzeko
Bayern XI: Neuer; Pavard, De Ligt, Lucas Hernández, Davies; Kimmich, Sabitzer; Sané, Müller, Coman; Sadio Mané
The match began with Bayern Munich showing a series of top and classic performances against their hosts as they dominated the game. They were mounting intense pressure on Inter Milan, clearly outplaying them in all aspects.
Onana had to wrestle with some spectacular saves to keep off the aggression of Bayern Munich and prevent Inter from conceding an early goal. He could only hold on till the 25th minute when Leroy Sane broke the goal deadlock.
It was the first sublime touch from the former Manchester City star. It was a perfect solo goal as he brought down the ball from the top and fired into the bottom corner, swinging the Bavarians into a deserved lead after Muller’s two terrific shots in the 22nd and 23rd minute were saved by Onana.
Despite a 1-0 advantage, Bayern Munich was still dominant, but they created little chance this time, though the ball was in their control.
Inter Milan’s great chance came in the 35th minute when Edin Dzeko’s thumping header deflected off Thomas Muller.
De Ligt was booked in the 41st minute after he dived into Marcelo Brozovic. Overall, the Bavarians turned the better side throughout the first half of the game.
The second-half kick-off started with a lucky chance for Edin Dzeko; a deflection had bounced his way, but he went straight at the Bayern goalkeeper from a very close range.
Bayern Munich brought on Leon Goretzker for Marcel Sabitzer in the 61st minute: they were still in control of the game, but Inter Milan were making headway, creating some opportunities for their muffled front line.
Raul Inzaghi really had a lot to do to allow Edin Dzeko and Martinez to come in more into the game as an overwhelming Bavarians have hidden them.
Bayern Munich still maintains an edge over Inter Milan and were able to double their lead in the 66th minute, with Sane triggering the goal.
A good one-two by Mane and Sane led to the goal as Sane strike was mistakenly twisted into the net by D’Ambrosio, who scored an own goal.
The Bavarians went 2 goals up and didn’t stop to control the game and mounted pressure on their rivals to the very end.
Inzaghi really has a lot to do in his tactical plan to give his team more opportunities to go farther in the competition. He made four substitutions in the 74th minute involving Edin Dzeko and other top players, but nothing really changed.
In most parts of the game, Manuel Neuer was not tested by Inter Milan as they played second fiddle to their visitors. Milan’s attempts on the final third fizzled out quickly.
But there was a golden chance in the 80th minute. Correa intercepted a poor pass by Bayern Munich, one-on-one with Manuel Neuer; he wasted it by firing wide.
That was the last clear chance in the game before the final whistle. Bayern Munich carried the day and earned a well-deserved three points from the San Siro.
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