By Manuel Veth - Contributor.

In a heart-wrenching conclusion to an illustrious career, Thomas Mller has played his final match in the UEFA Champions League, as Bayern Munich was eliminated following a 2-2 draw against Inter Milan. This match, held on a Wednesday evening at the iconic San Siro, marked the end of Mllers Champions League journey, spanning an impressive 163 games.

The stakes were high for Bayern Munich, who faced a challenging uphill battle after falling to a 2-1 defeat in the first leg at their home ground, the Allianz Arena. To advance, Bayern needed nothing less than a victory in this second leg. However, the game did not unfold as they had hoped, culminating in a missed opportunity by Mller himself in a pivotal moment. With mere seconds remaining in the fifth minute of injury time, a decisive header from Mller was thwarted by Inter Milans goalkeeper, Yann Sommer.

Were disappointed, Mller expressed after the match, highlighting the effort put forth by the team. I gave everything, we gave everything. We played against the best team in Italy, who had only conceded two goals in the Champions League prior to our match against them. His sentiments resonate deeply, especially given Bayern's history with Inter. In fact, Bayern had previously triumphed in all four of their encounters at the San Siro, which added to the disappointment of this unexpected exit.

Despite injuries that affected the squad, Bayern had opportunities to turn the tide in their favor. Football is all about details, reflected Bayern's head coach, Vincent Kompany, post-match. He acknowledged the strong performance of Inter but also noted the chances Bayern created. We knew about Inter's strengths going forward and from set pieces - but we were also dangerous and had our chances.

The match showcased the critical moments that shifted its course. After Harry Kane put Bayern ahead in the 52nd minute, the momentum seemed to favor the German side. However, a series of missteps proved costly. Lautaro Martnez equalized in the 58th minute after a miscue by Joshua Kimmich, followed by Benjamin Pavard conceding a crucial header just three minutes later that allowed Inter to take the lead.

We gave everything to win, said star striker Harry Kane. There were enough chances across both legs. Conceding two goals from set pieces today was criminal. It completely shifted the momentum. We came very close. Football is about moments; they took theirs more effectively than we did.

As Bayern faced a daunting situation, Eric Dier managed to score from a seemingly impossible angle in the 76th minute, leveling the match at 2-2. In a frantic final few minutes, Bayern pressed hard for the winner, with goalkeeper Jonas Urbig even joining the attacks, as crosses filled the box. In the dying moments, a golden opportunity arose for Mller, but his header lacked the necessary power and precision, allowing Sommer to deny him and thus end Bayern's Champions League hopes.

He fought until the last minute, Kompany praised Mllers determination. As the months go on, we'll understand more how important he really is. We still have two trophies to fight for together. Thomas is one of the biggest legends of this club. While Mllers efforts were commendable, questions may arise regarding whether starting him in such a critical match was indeed the best tactical decision. A more dynamic attacking strategy might have better matched Inter's defensive setup, especially as Bayern appeared more threatening once Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry were introduced into the game.

Ultimately, the loss signifies a sobering reality for Bayern Munich, as they now face the challenge of shifting their focus solely to winning the Bundesliga title. With a six-point lead and only five matches remaining, that title appears to be within reach. However, after a disappointing season, merely clinching the Bundesliga may not suffice for the clubs high expectations. Looking ahead, Kompany will need to not only enhance the teams European performance but also consider the restructuring of the squad, potentially moving on from older players to infuse fresh talent into the lineup.

At Bayern Munich, you expect to reach the semifinals and finals of the Champions League, Kane stated, encapsulating the club's ambitions. The stakes for next season could not be higher, especially if they wish to restore their reputation as one of Europes elite football clubs.