Inter Milan 0-2 Liverpool: 5 talking points as Reds take lead to Anfield | UEFA Champions League 2021-22

FC Internazionale vs Liverpool FC: Round Of Sixteen Leg One - UEFA Champions League
FC Internazionale vs Liverpool FC: Round Of Sixteen Leg One - UEFA Champions League

#3 Inter Milan bereft of ideas going forward

Inter Milan vs Liverpool FC: Round of 16 Leg One - UEFA Champions League
Inter Milan vs Liverpool FC: Round of 16 Leg One - UEFA Champions League

Inter Milan have enjoyed a prolific run in Serie A this season. They are the top-scoring side in the division with 55 goals in 24 games, but came up short in the Champions League yet again.

They faced a 2-0 defeat at Real Madrid in their final group game in December, and the story was similar against Liverpool as well. Their midfielders simply could not create enough chances for their two strikers up front.

Edin Dzeko is an out-and-out finisher now, and his lack of pace inhibited him from being involved in the build-up play. Lautaro Martinez, meanwhile, was no match for Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

Ivan Perisic looked lively down the left flank, but the final ball into the box from him was mostly erratic. However, he did produce a sizzling cross that narrowly eluded Martinez at the far post.

The hosts had no answer for Klopp's well-drilled side, failing to exploit the spaces behind Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson, who made a lot of runs into the final third.


#2 No shots on target in a well-contested first half

Inter Milan vs Liverpool FC: Round of 16 Leg One - UEFA Champions League
Inter Milan vs Liverpool FC: Round of 16 Leg One - UEFA Champions League

The first half was closely contested, with Liverpool dominating in terms of chances created. Inter Milan hit the woodwork, which was the best chance in the first 45 minutes for either side.

Inter Milan and Liverpool are two sides who have made a name for their attacking play in recent years. However, there were zero shots on target from both teams before the half-time whistle.

Credit for that goes to both sets of defenders, especially the central defenders who played well. Inter defenders put their bodies on the line, making crucial blocks and interceptions. Meanwhile, Virgil Van Dijk and Konate used their pace and strength to keep the Inter attackers off the ball.


#1 Salah scores decisive goal for Liverpool yet again

FC Internazionale vs Liverpool FC: Round of 16 Leg One - UEFA Champions League
FC Internazionale vs Liverpool FC: Round of 16 Leg One - UEFA Champions League

Mohamed Salah's goals have helped the Reds secure crucial wins this season, and the game against Inter Milan was no different. The Egyptian winger found the back of the net, pouncing on a loose ball to produce a great finish in the 83rd minute.

While Firmino's goal had given them a lead just eight minutes ago, Salah's goal was a decisive blow to the hosts. With this strike, he has now scored in eight consecutive away games in the Champions League, a club record.

Now he will have his eyes set on the all-time record set by Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored in 12 back-to-back away games in the competition between 2012 and 2015. Meanwhile, Inter Milan have it all to do in the second leg at Anfield on March 8.

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Edited by Bhargav
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