Liverpool shock Inter without Mohamed Salah: Szoboszlai scores late as Reds wins in Champions League | OneFootball

Reds jump to 12 points in league phase

Liverpool shock Inter without Mohamed Salah: Szoboszlai scores late as Reds wins in Champions League

Liverpool delivered massive Champions League result on Tuesday night edging Inter Milan 1 - 0 at San Siro courtesy of 88 minute penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai.

Disallowed Konate header shapes 1st half narrative

The opening period was cagey and fiercely contested. Inter sought to control possession without finding knockout punch while Liverpool threatened most from transitions & set pieces.

The match sparked to life when Ibrahima Konate rose highest to head home from corner only for VAR to intervene.

After four tense minute of review, Hugo Ekitike judged to have handled the ball in the buildup and the goal was chalked off.

Inter’s response nearly broke the deadlock. Lautaro Martinez wriggled into space shortly before the break forcing sharp low save from Alisson.

The statistics underlined balanced contest:

The same pattern held after the restart. Inter circulated the ball with patience but Liverpool’s speed on the counter gave them edge the longer the game unfolded.

Arne Slot’s substitutions proved decisive. Florian Wirtz added spark down the right,, and repeatedly forced Inter backward while Conor Bradley offered energy in behind.

With the clock approaching 90 minute.. Wirtz darted diagonally into the area and was pulled down sparking another VAR check.

Referee Felix Zwayer pointed to the spot and Szoboszlai sent Yann Sommer sprawling the wrong way to make it 1 - 0.

Salah absent again

Mohamed Salah was once more omitted from the squad and played no part in the victory. The drama surrounding Liverpool’s Egyptian star continues but on the pitch , his teammates found way to deliver.

What it means under the new League phase format?

Heading into the clash, Inter sat 4th in the league phase standings with 12 point. Liverpool were 13th with nine point from five match.

Under UEFA’s new structure:

The result now:

Pushes Liverpool to 12 point, all but cementing at least play off berth and leaving the door open for late surge toward the top 8..

Keeps Inter on 12 point.. still in strong position but adds pressure in the race for automatic round of 16 ticket after failing to capitalise at home.