Liverpool win against Inter Milan in the Champions League and take an option on the quarter-finals
The game: 0-2
Ten years after their last appearance in the knockout stages of the Champions League, Inter Milan risk seeing their reconquest complete in three weeks at Anfield. Indeed, the Italians, although generous and conquering, proved to be too clumsy and ended up suffering the talent of the English, at the end of the game.
Winner 2-0, Liverpool therefore confirms its status as a contender for this Champions League, without having impressed, having been jostled, but also ending up giving voice to experience and talent, often unstoppable in this type of match. high level.
50
Jürgen Klopp signed his 50th success in the Champions League (in 88 matches). He is the first German coach to achieve this.
The two teams annihilated each other for a long time, in a bitter confrontation, with little space, despite the will, on both sides, to revive short, from the goalkeeper. If the first thrills were in favor of the Reds, with a volley from Thiago Alcantara (9th) and a header from Sadio Mané (14th), too aerial, it was the Nerazzurri who had the best opportunities. Thus, Hakan Calhanoglu found the crossbar, on a cross from the left of Ivan Perisic (16th), then Milan Skiniar crossed his head too much (40th).
Only, at the break, like this income from Sadio Mané (23rd), no one had managed to frame. So Jürgen Klopp replaced Diogo Jota with Roberto Firmino (46th). Then, less than a quarter of an hour later, the German coach made three new changes, notably with the exit of Mané and the return of the usual captain, Jordan Henderson, whom the young Harvey Elliott had not succeeded. to forget (59th).
However, it was the Italians, although deprived of their master to play, Nicolo Barella, suspended on the outward leg, as on the return leg (March 8), who put the pressure on, thanks in particular to the very high positioning of Denzel Dumfries ( on the right) and Perisic (on the left), as pistons of the very ambitious 3-5-2 of Simone Inzaghi, disrupting the traditional 4-3-3 opponent.
But, failing to be dangerous, due in particular to the clumsiness of Edin Dzeko (offside scorer, 60th), they were punished. Firmino first scored with a header from a corner from Andrew Robertson (75th). Then, Mohamed Salah pivoted in the area, on a handover from Virgil Van Dijk, to conclude, in turn (83rd). His 33rd but in 50 appearances in the competition. The end of Milanese hopes, above all.
The player: Firmino, a starter and dessert
We now know him less often as a holder, with increased competition since last season. Against Inter, the long-magic attacking trio of Mohamed Sala, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané was only lined up for 14 minutes. The Brazilian entered at the break, in place of a disappointing Diogo Jota, then he saw the Senegalese quickly leave the lawn of San Siro, replaced by Luis Diaz (59th). So, in a closed match, he took advantage of a set piece to score with a header, on the first attempt on target of the match, and open the door to success for the Reds.