Bayern Munich’s Champions League journey came to a bittersweet end on Wednesday as a 2-2 draw against Inter Milan at the San Siro saw them eliminated on aggregate (4-3) in the quarter-finals. Despite a spirited performance, Vincent Kompany’s side were undone by an untimely injury crisis that robbed them of several key players across both legs.
A narrow 2-1 home defeat in the first leg was followed by a brave display in Milan, where Bayern had the better of the chances but couldn’t find the extra spark to push past the Italian champions. Speaking after the match, Kompany reflected on the physical setbacks that hampered his team’s campaign.
“I think the big issue, before Inter, was injuries,” the Bayern boss said. “We had to understand what we could do without Hiroki Ito, Dayot Upamecano, Jamal Musiala, Manuel Neuer, Alphonso Davies, Kingsley Coman, and Aleksandar Pavlovic.”
Despite the long list of absentees, Bayern showed heart and intensity in both matches—qualities Kompany was proud of, even in elimination.
“I think in the first game we showed a good Bayern Munich, I’m not talking about the result,” he said. “In the second game we also showed a positive attitude in Milan. We had many scoring chances, more than Inter. I have mixed feelings. The harsh reality is that we will not play the Champions League final at home.”
Bayern’s Allianz Arena is set to host the 2025 Champions League final, adding another layer of frustration to their exit. For Kompany, who took over the reins with a bold, progressive philosophy, the loss isn’t about lack of effort—but unfortunate timing.
“We can’t change that,” he continued. “The other aspect is the performance—we know we have done enough to win these games.”
When asked whether the team’s packed fixture list contributed to the injury crisis, Kompany didn’t hold back. “Unfortunately, I don’t decide. In addition to the many games, there are long journeys and the pressure increases when we have absences.”
Bayern now turn their attention to domestic challenges, with hopes of ending the season on a high note despite their European disappointment.
