Both Bayern and Inter, who have won a combined six European cups, had already qualified for the knockout phase and faced off at the Allianz Arena for first place.

Bayern only required a point to top the standings and took the lead through Dutch forward Roy Makaay just after the hour only for French international Patrick Vieira to equalise late on for the visitors.

"The last goal is irritating but the important thing is we finished first and that is all that counts," said Peruvian international Claudio Pizarro.

However the German champions, who are unbeaten in this season's competition, still progress as group winners and Bayern coach Felix Magath got his wish to play the second leg of the last 16 knockout tie at home.

Last season AC Milan used home advantage to crush Bayern 4-1 in the second leg of their last 16 Champions League duel after the first leg finished 1-1 in Germany.

"I thought it would be a draw in the end but our strong performances in the group stage should not be underestimated," said Magath. "We have got through comfortably and are the only German team in the knockout stage."

Magath resisted the temptation to rest stars, fielding a full-strength team captained by goalkeeper 0liver Kahn who was making his 100th Champions League appearance.

The 37-year-old Kahn, who made his first Champions League outing against Paris Saint Germain way back in September 1994, becomes only the sixth player, and the first goalkeeper, to reach the century landmark.

Real Madrid's Spanish international striker Raul and AC Milan's Italian defender Paolo Maldini, now 38, lead the list with 106 appearances.

Before kick-off Magath cranked up the pressure on Inter by saying the Italians were one of the favourites to win this season's Champions League.

But Inter, who last won the European Cup back in 1965, looked far from championship material playing on the counter attack despite needing a win to top the group.

Bayern enjoyed long spells of possession but rarely looked like scoring until the 39th minute when Makaay had a clear opening but he lost his footing at the crucial moment and dragged his shot wide.

Italian league leaders Inter had done little to threaten the home goal but with the half-time whistle approaching Mariano Gonzalez struck a 25-yard effort against Kahn's crossbar.

In the second half Bayern upped the tempo and in the 62nd minute Makaay showed great control to take a pass in his stride and slot past goalkeeper Francesco Toldo.

Vieira levelled in stoppage time but although it was irrelevant that did not stop Kahn from venting his frustration at being denied a clean sheet.

"I'm very happy with this result because it's not easy to impose yourself against Bayern on their home turf," said Inter coach Roberto Mancini.

Mancini admitted that it was a difficult task for the Serie A leaders to have not one eye on Europe and the other on domestic action.

"I wanted to give a chance to those who had played less this season because we have four difficult matches left between now and the end of the year so it's only logical to let those who have played more rest," he said.

"I don't want to choose between the Serie A and the Champions league, it's our duty to stay in the race on all levels."