Dominik Szoboszlai’s penalty in the 88th minute secured a vital victory for Liverpool against Inter Milan in the Champions League.
The lead-up to the confrontation was largely overshadowed by Mohamed Salah’s absence from the Reds squad, following his statement that the club had “thrown him under the bus” and his deteriorating relationship with manager Arne Slot.
With the Egypt forward sidelined at Liverpool, Szoboszlai took the crucial late penalty after a video assistant referee (VAR) review ruled that Alessandro Bastoni had pulled Florian Wirtz’s shirt in the area.
Goalkeeper Yann Sommer went the correct way, but the strength of the penalty was overwhelming, and Liverpool secured a much-needed three points after a chaotic few days at the club.
Following a troubling stretch of nine losses in 12 matches, Slot’s team is now without defeat in four.
The Reds accumulated 12 points from their six Champions League matches, and winning this match propelled them into the top eight of the league stage, securing automatic entry to the last 16.
Inter fell to fifth place, holding the same points total, as they experienced their first home loss in 19 matches in the tournament—the last one being against Bayern Munich in September 2022.
Liverpool believed they had gained a lead in the 32nd minute when Ibrahima Konate scored with a header from a corner.
Referee Felix Zwayer revoked the goal following an extensive VAR review, as the ball hit striker Hugo Ekitike’s arm before it reached Konate to head in from a short distance.
Curtis Jones, Szoboszlai, and Ekitike each compelled Sommer to make saves during the first half, in which Inter lost Piotr Zielinski and Yann Aurel Bisseck to injuries.
The invalidated goal appeared to ignite the home team, and Nicolo Barella nearly found the net with a free kick that just missed, followed by Lautaro Martinez’s header being saved by Alisson Becker.
The match seemed destined for a scoreless draw, a first during Slot’s time, until Wirtz—who came on for Alexander Isak in the 68th minute—took advantage of Bastoni’s foul.
Szoboszlai’s composed strike for his second goal in consecutive matches guaranteed that, for the fourth time in four years, Liverpool would depart the San Siro victorious.
Aside from the Salah saga, Slot opted to change tactics as Liverpool began in a 4-1-2-1-2 formation featuring a diamond in midfield.
They began strongly, maintaining possession and distributing it purposefully in a significant change of pace from earlier matches, featuring Jones at the center.
For only the second time this season, Isak and Ekitike were in the starting lineup together as Slot made four alterations from the team that tied 3-3 at Leeds, with Wirtz moving to the bench.
Isak faced difficulties against Inter’s defense physically and ended the first half limping, yet Ekitike continued to be a danger, energized by his two goals at Leeds. Nonetheless, the duo just didn’t connect adequately before Isak was substituted by Wirtz.
Given Salah’s uncertain future and Cody Gakpo expected to be out for “a few weeks,” that is a bond that must be developed promptly.
Nevertheless, this was a night when Liverpool demonstrated their unity and determination. It was a crucial win for the pressured Slot and his team, bringing joy to the 4,400 away fans seated high in the San Siro stands.
Liverpool will welcome Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday (15:00 GMT), followed by their Champions League match against Marseille on Wednesday, January 21 (20:00 GMT).
Inter Milan welcomes Arsenal for their upcoming European match on Tuesday, January 20 (20:00 GMT).
