Advantage Liverpool As Reds Prove Too Hot For Inter

Jurgen Klopp and his team came out on top when Inter Milan hosted Liverpool in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16.

The Serie A champions who finished second behind Real Madrid in their group took on the Merseyside Reds who finished as group leaders winning six out of six group stage games.

Goals by Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah sealed an emphatic 2-0 away victory for the Reds who will now carry their advantage to Anfield for the return leg.

The first half had both teams pressing each other and jostling for goals but their efforts did not really disturb either goalkeeper.

However, in the opening minutes of the second half, Inter Milan turned up the pressure as they camped Liverpool into their own half.

Ivan Perisic was a handful for Liverpool via the left wing, creating chances but the home side were let down by a lack of quality to trouble Alisson Becker in goal. 

Inter thought they had taken the lead in the 60th minute, but Edin Dzeko’s goal was ruled offside. 

The first goal of the game came via the first shot on target of the game in the 75th minute when Andrew Robertson’s corner was met by a powerful header from Roberto Firmino. 

Inter almost grabbed an equaliser minutes later when Ivan Perisic latched on to a loose ball, but his attempt was blazed over the crossbar.

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The Serie A side were made to pay for their missed chances as Liverpool doubled their lead in the 83rd minute of the game.

A corner from Trent Alexander-Arnold was nodded down by Van Dijk and it fell nicely to Mohamed Salah who fired it past the goalkeeper.

The game ended two-nil, in favour of the visitors. Credit, however, should go to Liverpool’s central defence for a job well done.

Ibrahima Konate made vital blocks to keep Inter away from goal and van Dijk too was solid and also played a key role in the second goal of the match.

The win is Liverpool’s second Champions League win of the season at the San Siro, a Stadium which serves as home to both Inter Milan and AC Milan.

Liverpool forward Salah became the second player to score against both Milan clubs in a single Champions League season after Peter Crouch for Tottenham.

With the win, Liverpool go into the Champions League round of 16 second leg with the advantage over Inter. The second leg is scheduled to be played on March 8 at Anfield.

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