It was Liverpool FC’s turn to host the second leg of the last 16 of the champions league, welcoming Inter Milan to the iconic Merseyside venue. Although they were sitting on a 2-0 cushion, this scoreline is the most commonly overturned in the sport, as stipulated by Jurgen Klopp. Fortunately for the Reds, their coach’s warning was only half fulfilled by a second-half Lautaro Martinez goal (61′). Thankfully for Liverpool FC, the sending off of Alexis Sanchez shortly after significantly blunted their attacking capabilities and the home side saw the game out Liverpool 0-1 Inter Milan.
Read on for our full match report, otherwise, you can check out the highlights by clicking here.
Image source: IThe independent
Liverpool FC 0-1 Inter Milan | (2-1 Agg)
Vanue: Anfield | Tuesday 8th March
The first half was an all-around frustrating affair for both sides who were unable to get a leg up on the other despite there being several close chances. Liverpool’s centre-backs once again fancy themselves as potential strikers in this game and in an effort to get on the scoresheet, narrowly heading wide of the goal from wonderful deliveries from Trent Alexander-Arnold. Joel Matip’s in particular hit the crossbar and should have put the Reds ahead.
Inter Milan responded with their own close-call set-piece. A dangerous cross into the box from Hakan Calhanoglu forced Alisson to parry the ball out of harm’s way before Trent hoofed the ball out of the danger zone. Just on the cusp of halftime, Trent expertly took another set-piece, this time aiming straight for the target, narrowly missing it, unfortunately. Both teams were equally intent on besting the other but the scoreline was unchanged by the end of the first half.
HT: Liverpool 0-0 Inter Milan (2-0 Agg)
As the second half got underway, both sides continued the intent they showed in the first half to get one up on their opponent, which naturally plays into Liverpool’s hand. After receiving the ball on the edge of Inter Milan’s box, Thiago chips the ball over for Diogo Jota, whose shot rebounded into Mo Salah’s feet. Sadly, the Egyptian’s follow-uo was denied by the post.
Inter Milan then capitalised on a misplaced pass from tMatip as Martinez receives the ball from Sanchez and scores impeccably (it hurts to say). The aggregate is halved to 2-1.
Shortly after scoring, Inter Milan see Alexis Sanchez sent off for a follow-through tackle clashing with Fabinho and being shown a second yellow card.
Image source: Liverpool.com
Final Words
It was one of those oxymoronic games that will confuse non-football fans if you try to explain it to them. The score was Liverpool 0-1 Inter Milan, meaning the Reds lost but go through as round as winners, Inter Milan played better and won but were ultimately losers. It can be a complicated game!
The chances came largely from set-pieces and both sides could have done more to capitalise on them. The sending off of Alexis Sanchez certainly hindered Inter Milan’s attacking nous and the Reds qualify to the next round.
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