Liverpool resist Inter to grab two crucial goals

Liverpool took a big step towards the next round of the Champions League by absorbing heavy Inter pressure and providing two devastating counter punches.

Action: There was a fantastic atmosphere at the San Siro – always a special place for big European games.

It was Liverpool who had the first big chance when Sadio Mané met Andy Robertson’s freekick after 15 minutes but the recently-crowned AFCON champion’s effort went over Samir Handanovic’s goal.

Simone Inzaghi's team almost took the lead soon after when Ivan Perišić – Inter’s biggest threat going forward – put in a low cross into the Liverpool box. Hakan Çalhanoğlu met it well with a strong shot that bounced off of Alisson’s crossbar.

It was an open game with the Italian side committing to playing out from the back despite frequently being caught out by the visitors. And, surprisingly, neither side were able to manage an effort on target in the first 45 minutes.

The Reds made one change at half-time with Roberto Firmino coming on to replace Diogo Jota after the Portuguese forward picked up an ankle injury. But it was Inter who started the second off well, with Liverpool beginning to look like they were on the ropes. 

Jürgen Klopp made the bold move of making three substitutions to try and get his side back on the ball with Luis Díaz, Jordan Henderson, and Naby Keita coming on for Harvey Elliot, Fabinho, and Sadio Mané. Just after those changes, Edin Dzeko had the ball in the Liverpool net but the former Manchester City striker was well offside. 

Liverpool made the breakthrough with 75 minutes gone in the game. Andy Robertson’s corner found Firmino at the near post and the Brazilian did well to head to get his header in. It was the first shot on target of the game from either side.

Mohammed Salah then gave Liverpool an even bigger lead eight minutes later when he pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired a low effort home.

Big Picture: Two away goals in a match that Liverpool struggled in is a fantastic result for Jürgen Klopp and his team. While they're not as comfortable as their Premier League rivals Manchester City will be for their second leg, they'll expect to get the job done professionally when Inter visit Anfield on the 8th of March.

Man of the Match: Despite being on the losing side, Ivan Perišić had a fantastic game for Internazionale – causing Liverpool all sorts of problems down the left.

xG: Inter Milan (0.49) 0-2 (1.38) Liverpool

2 - Mohamed Salah is only the second player to score against both AC Milan and Inter Milan in the same Champions League season, after Peter Crouch for Tottenham in 2010-11. Robot.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 16, 2022