Matthäus explains how Inter can put Bayern ‘under pressure’ in Champions League | OneFootball

Lothar Matthäus believes that Inter have a strong chance of recording a positive result away against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday night, but insists that the Nerazzurri have to take the game to their opponents if they are to return to Italy with the points.

Bayern will host Inter at the Allianz Arena for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday night, with the return leg set for April 16 in San Siro.

Matthäus spent four years playing for both teams involved in tonight’s match, making an almost identical number of appearances for both (150 for Bayern, 153 for Inter).

Like many, he feels that Bayern’s current injury list gives Inter an advantage in what is otherwise a fairly evenly-matched contest.

“It’s not an easy moment, but (Bayern) can focus on the Champions League given they have a six-point lead over Bayern Leverkusen and better goal difference in the Bundesliga,” the 1990 World Cup winner told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – MARCH 26: TV expert Lothar Matthäus looks on after the international friendly match between Germany and Netherlands at Deutsche Bank Park on March 26, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

He continued: “There is a lack of players who can make the difference such as Musiala, Davies and Upamecano. Ito won’t start, he has also been a decisive option from the bench. Don’t forget Neuer, either.

“This all complicates things, especially if you have to play against the best team in Italy. It wasn’t easy before, now it’s even more difficult for Kompany with this situation.”

Matthäus explains: Inter need to put Bayern under pressure

Matthäus went on to explain that despite Bayern’s injuries, Inter cannot afford to sit back and wait for counter-attacking opportunities at the Allianz Arena. Instead, he implores them to put the defensive work in Bayern’s court.

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 02: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, looks on from the dugout prior to the Coppa Italia Semi Final match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“For Inter, it’s important to push the same way in attack, and not just think about defending. You’re taking a risk if you give Bayern the chance to keep hold of the ball. It’s better to do the opposite, put them under pressure. When Kompany’s team suffers, they can’t play ‘their’ game in both phases.

“Inzaghi has to find a way to counter them, and he can succeed because he has good players and a good unit. The team spirit has grown in recent years, the coach has been there for four seasons and that’s good, that’s how you get results.”