Liverpool might have lost to Inter Milan at Anfield but the damage was done at San Siro in the first leg of UCL knockouts. Thus, the Reds progress to the Champions League quarterfinals stage after winning the tie on an aggregate of 2-1 against the Nerazzurri.
The match started with a lot of intensity. Right from the kick-off whistle, the Italian club showed that they are up for a fight and reflected shades of a comeback. While Jurgen Klopp’s side kept their composure and looked to maintain possession.
The first attempt on target arrived from the away side. However, it was the home side who looked likely to score as Matip’s header hit the crossbar. Meanwhile, Calhanoglu teased Alisson from a free-kick, which was Inter’s best chance in the first half. Thus, the game displayed a scoreline of 0-0 at the end of the 1st half as both teams came close to scoring but were unable to find the net.
The second half kicked off in a similar style with Inter showing more desire to break the deadlock. However, Liverpool’s magician Mohamed Salah also gave the Reds a 3-goal cushion lead but his shot was denied by the post. Moments later, Inter’s striker Lautaro Martínez struck a beautiful shot from outside of the box, which kept Simone Inzaghi’s hopes alive as they now lead by a goal on the night.
Just when Inter looked threatening, Alexis Sánchez received a controversial red card for his follow-through challenge at Thiago. Meaning now the Italian club was down to 10-man and thereafter, it made the tie predictable.
However, the Reds were not able to equalize after another attempt from Salah struck the post. While Luis Diaz had another good chance but Vidal’s excellent block kept his shot out from a close range.
Key Insights
Liverpool tested a defeat at their home turf after 29 fixtures across all competition. Moreover, this was their first defeat in the UEFA Champions League this season. The last time the Reds failed on their home turf was against Fulham over a year ago in March 2021.
Now, Liverpool have successfully qualified for the 4th time in the last 8 of the competition out of their previous 5 campaign.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan have now failed in each of their last 3 UCL knockout stage ties (2010-11, 2011-12 & 2021-22).
UCL – Liverpool 0-1 Inter Milan: Post Match Reaction
The Liverpool boss was happy thinking that his side doesn’t have to face Inter every week. When asked about his thoughts about the game and whether the defeat can be used as a positive for the remainder of the season, the Reds boss said
Pete Krawietz always says the art of football is to lose the right games. I still hate it but if there was any kind of game we could have afforded to lose, it was tonight because the main target obviously of this competition is to get through. But it’s not that I’m here like over the moon. I’m really happy that we went through.
Now let’s carry on.
On the decision to send off Sanchez in the second half, Klopp said
I don’t understand why we have to discuss that. If you played football, if you can win the ball only, if you bring yourself in a position that you endanger the opponent then you don’t win the ball.
I think he was quite lucky that he didn’t get a different colour [card] in the first half for a foul on Thiago
On whether there is anything that will give him cause for concern from tonight, Jurgen said
Parts, not everything. So, the first 20 minutes I didn’t like our counter-press too much and that is something that is nothing to do with the opponent, that is only about us.
Things like this can happen, so again, you have to make sure you know about it and then you don’t do it again – or you just do it better next time.
I think we are deserved in the quarter-final and that’s actually all I’m interested in.
What’s next for Liverpool ?
Next up for Liverpool is a trip to the Amex Stadium as they get ready to face the 13th place Brighton side in another Premier League fixture on Saturday in the afternoon.
Liverpool is my Religion and Anfield is my Church. 17th May 1996 the date I had my blood coloured red. The one you love the most you can not live without it and that is football to me.
