Liverpool secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Inter Milan at the iconic San Siro, thanks to a late penalty converted by Dominik Szoboszlai. The win not only boosts the Reds’ position in the Champions League standings but also comes amid ongoing drama surrounding Mohamed Salah.
The match showcased Liverpool’s resilience and tactical maturity, even if their attacking play occasionally lacked cohesion. Arne Slot’s side demonstrated defensive solidity and mental strength, managing to keep Inter’s threats at bay while seizing the decisive moment from the penalty spot.
A Match Defined by Tension and VAR Drama
Liverpool’s evening in Milan was marked by controversy before Szoboszlai’s winning goal. Ibrahima Konate initially appeared to score with a powerful header from a Szoboszlai corner, only for VAR referee Felix Zwayer to overturn the goal after a five-minute review. The decision stemmed from a deflection off Virgil van Dijk’s head onto Hugo Ekitike’s arm, a call that left travelling fans frustrated, as many deemed it unavoidable.
Despite occasional threats from Inter, particularly through Lautaro Martinez, Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson was pivotal, making a crucial save during first-half stoppage time to preserve a clean sheet. The breakthrough came in the final moments when Florian Wirtz was fouled by Alessandro Bastoni, earning Liverpool a penalty. Szoboszlai calmly stepped up and delivered under immense pressure, securing all three points.
Standout Performances Under the Microscope
Several Liverpool players impressed with their contributions. Ryan Gravenberch stood out for his awareness both in possession and defensively, while the central defensive partnership of Konate and Van Dijk offered reliability and composure. Although some squad members struggled to find rhythm, the team as a whole remained disciplined and resilient during the tense phases of the match.
Player Ratings – Inter Milan 0-1 Liverpool
Liverpool Starting XI
- Alisson: 7 – Critical saves kept Liverpool in the match
- Joe Gomez: 6 – Solid but not particularly influential
- Ibrahima Konate: 7 – Strong in defense, came close to scoring
- Virgil van Dijk: 7 – Commanding presence, involved in VAR controversy
- Andy Robertson: 6 – Defensively sound, limited attacking impact
- Ryan Gravenberch: 8 – Intelligent positioning and ball control
- Curtis Jones: 7 – Energetic and combative in midfield
- Alexis Mac Allister: 5 – Quiet and inconsistent performance
- Dominik Szoboszlai: 8 – Match-winner with composed penalty
- Alexander Isak: 5 – Struggled to influence play
- Hugo Ekitike: 6 – Involved in VAR decision, limited impact
Substitutes
- Conor Bradley: 7 – Solid contribution off the bench
- Florian Wirtz: 6 – Earned the decisive penalty
Manager
- Arne Slot: 7 – Maintained composure, made tactical adjustments, and guided the team to a crucial victory
Looking Ahead
This victory lifts Liverpool back into eighth place, keeping their Champions League hopes alive as they prepare for challenging fixtures against Marseille away and Qarabag at Anfield. The result demonstrates the organization, bravery, and mental fortitude that Slot demands from his squad. While the final group matches will ultimately determine their European fate, Liverpool’s performance in Milan serves as a reminder of their potential and resilience under pressure.
