Liverpool managed to get a 2-0 away victory over Inter this Wednesday for the match corresponding to the round of 16 of the Champions League. Firmino and Salah converted for Klopp’s side who did not have their best performance but took a vital victory heading into the second leg. The rematch will be on March 8 at Anfield.
Both teams came out with everything in this first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16. Inter trying to assert their home status to take victory in this difficult match, while Liverpool knew that all the cameras and spotlights were on them, so they had to try to play at an excellent level.
In the first half, Liverpool opted, as they usually do, for high pressure. Thus, it complicated all Inter’s outings, which were always on the verge of making a terrible mistake that would allow Liverpool to score the first goal of the game. Although the British team was superior in ball control, the number of opportunities was even for each one.
The current champion of Serie A, Inter, had two clear opportunities, both on the counterattack. One with Lautaro Martínez from mid-range and the other with Calhanoglu, who rang the post after surprisingly entering the Liverpool area. For its part, Liverpool left a better image on the pitch. They never stopped the pressure at the top of the pitch, played away from Alisson and had, at the feet of Salah and Mané, some clear scoring chances to put themselves ahead.
The game was very interesting, both teams showing their best level of play and giving us a game full of many emotions.
The first part of this match ended with a 0-0 draw, where both teams were very good in all areas of the pitch and never saved anything.
At the start of the second half, the tone of the match changed completely. Inter was able to steal the ball from Liverpool and, through possession of the ball, they began to generate situations that set off alarms in the team led by Jurgen Klopp.
That is why, for the start of the second half, Liverpool brought in Firmino, instead of Diogo Jota.
In the 59th minute, Liverpool made a triple change to seek to open the scoring in their favor.
The tie was broken 15 minutes from the end. A corner kick to the near post allowed Firmino to anticipate the entire Inter defense and the Brazilian headed it to the far post and shouted 1-0 for Liverpool.
After the goal was scored by Liverpool, Inter collapsed and the English team quickly found the second goal in a free-kick to the area that the local team defended poorly. Van Dijk lowered the ball in the area and placed a spectacular ball to Salah, after a deflection, that dislodged the goalkeeper and slowly crossed the line for 2-0.
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Eduardo Perozo: Author
Eduardo Perez is a Gambyl sports betting staff writer. He is based in South America and is an expert in all things Football especially when it comes to Ecuardorian and Brazilian league soccer.
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