Home strength as basis: Facts ahead of Bayern vs. Inter Milan in the Champions League

Even though the outcome of the quarter-final against Inter Milan will only be decided in Italy in eight days’ time, Bayern want to use their home match at the Allianz Arena (Tuesday, 21:00 CEST) to gain an optimal position for the return leg. Their recent record in front of their own fans allows for plenty of hope, since the Munich men are unbeaten at home for longer than any other team in this competition. Since a 3-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain almost exactly four years ago, FCB have not suffered a defeat in 22 home games in Europe (W17. D5). If number 23 follows, Vincent Kompany’s side can travel to the San Siro next week with a positive feeling. 

Quarter-final regulars

Keeping with the theme of 23, the 5-0 aggregate victory over Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the round of 16 saw Bayern through to the last eight of the Champions League for the 23rd time – that’s a record! What’s more, the German record champions are the only team who have reached the quarter-finals of the competition in every season since 2019/20. 

Deceptive record against Inter

It’s a record that doesn’t make for particularly pleasing reading from a Munich point of view – but also not one that can’t be changed. Although Bayern have won over half of their nine European encounters with Inter (W5, D1, L3), the Nerazzurri have prevailed in both Champions League knockout clashes – in the 2010 final and in the last 16 a year later. Only in the third round of the 1988/89 UEFA Cup did FCB get past the Milan club. However, the Bavarians appear to have bounced back from that pain to some extent, winning both encounters against Inter 2-0 in the group stage two years ago. Moreover, Thomas Müller and Co have progressed in each of their last four knockout ties against Serie A teams.

Goal guarantee Kane

Congratulations, Harry Kane! The striker scored his 10th goal in this Champions League campaign in the round of 16 second leg at Leverkusen and with that became the first Englishman to hit double figures in one season in this competition. Only Barcelona’s Raphinha (11) has netted more times in Europe’s premier club competition this season. In total the Bayern frontman has already been directly involved in 24 goals in 23 UCL appearances (18 goals, six assists) – more than any other player since the start of last season.

Bayern’s top attack to test Inter’s mean defence

Kane has played a big part in the 28 goals scored by Bayern in the current Champions League season. That’s the second-best tally along with Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, bettered only by Barcelona (32). Now the impressive Munich attack faces a real test, though: Inter Milan have conceded just two goals in 10 games so far in the competition, keeping eight clean sheets – both are clear bests. Simone Inzaghi’s men hardly know the feeling of being behind this term having trailed for just five minutes in the current Champions League campaign. FCB would gladly like to change that on Tuesday.