Inter hold off Bayern to reach Champions League semi-finals

Inter Milan reached the semi-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday, drawing 2-2 with Bayern Munich to win the quarter-final tie 4-3 on aggregate.

The Italian champions will now face Barcelona in the semi-finals after a dramatic second leg at the San Siro. Bayern's Harry Kane had levelled the tie at 1-1 in the 52nd minute, but goals from Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard in quick succession in the 61st and 64th minutes put Inter back in control.

Eric Dier's looping header in the 75th minute earned Bayern a draw on the night, but it wasn't enough for the Bundesliga leaders, who saw their hopes of winning the Champions League for a seventh time dashed.

The match was played in challenging conditions, with heavy rain and strong winds affecting both teams' ability to play their best football. However, these elements only added to the tension and drama of the occasion.

Simone Inzaghi's side were undeterred, holding their ground in difficult conditions, and their victory leaves them on course for an unprecedented treble, having already won Serie A and with a semi-final place secured in the Coppa Italia, where they will face AC Milan.

Bayern had a strong history at the San Siro, winning all of their previous three Champions League away matches against Inter, but after Pavard's powerful header in the 61st minute, there was no way back for the visitors.

Despite Bayern's early pressure, which saw Inter defend stoutly and miss a few chances, the home side started to grow into the match after a quiet opening. Their fans, initially silent in protest over ticket prices, erupted in song as the team came to life.

Bayern's defence was breached twice within minutes, first by Martinez, who scored from Dimarco's corner, and then Pavard, who sealed the tie with a thunderous header against his former club.

Despite Bayern's late goal from Dier, the final minutes were filled with tension. Bayern pressed for an equaliser, and when Kane's header was saved by Sommer in stoppage time, Inter's place in the semi-finals was secured.

The result signals that Inter are well-positioned to reach the final of Europe's premier competition once again, having been narrowly defeated by Manchester City two years ago. They now face a familiar challenge in Barcelona, a club they triumphed over in the semi-finals on their way to Champions League glory 15 years ago.