February 17, (THEWILL) – In an exciting match at San Siro on Wednesday night, Liverpool secured a critical Champions League last 16 first leg edge against Inter with two late goals.
The difference was made by substitute Roberto Firmino’s flicked header and a deflected Mohamed Salah finish, as the Nerazzurri’s resolve was finally broken.
In a tense first half, the visitors had the upper hand, but it was Inter who came closest in a thrilling 45 minutes of football. The noise was cacophonous, despite the allowed lower capacity owing to COVID-19 limits, with a low mist contributing to the peculiar ambiance.
Five minutes in, Lautaro Martinez struck the stanchion from the edge of the box, before Thiago Alcantara blasted a volley unto the roof of the net. Sadio Mane wasted Liverpool’s greatest chance of the half by heading Andy Robertson’s free kick over the bar from six yards out.
Two minutes later, Hakan Calhanoglu popped up in the Reds’ box after superb work from Ivan Perisic on the left, but his attempt hit the crossbar.
Midway through the half, Mane had another chance, but he misjudged an overhead kick and hit the side-netting. Trent Alexander-Arnold then took a stride forward and sent a free kick just wide of the top left-hand corner.
Inter started the second half on the front foot, and their midfield tenacity caused Liverpool problems. They were as strong at the other end, with Milan Skriniar making a fantastic save to keep substitute Luis Diaz from scoring.
With a quarter of an hour to go, the hosts were dragged tumbling back down to earth when Firmino leapt to meet Robertson’s corner and guided a header into the far corner.
Perisic was inches away from bringing the game level, but his thunderous side-foot soared beyond Alisson’s crossbar. Salah put Jurgen Klopp’s side in control of the tie with seven minutes remaining, scooping home a deflected shot after Virgil van Dijk’s knockdown.
As a result, the Reds have an edge heading into the second leg at Anfield, leaving the Nerazzurri with a huge mission to make up the difference.
Inter return to Serie A action on Sunday when they host Sassuolo at home. Liverpool’s next Premier League match is on Saturday at Anfield against Norwich City.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
