Liverpool may be able to overcome Inter Milan and go to the Champions League quarterfinals despite suffering its first loss at Anfield in a year.
With the Italian champions behind 2-0 after the first leg of the last-16 in Italy, Lautaro Martinez’s swerving shot in the 61st minute offered them hope of a comeback.
However, Inter’s work was made harder inside two minutes when Alexis Sanchez was sent off for a second booking for his follow-through on Fabinho.
Liverpool held on to win 1-0 on aggregate and progress 2-1. Despite suffering their first defeat in the league this season, the 2019 Champions League champions are in the quarterfinals for the fourth time in five years.
Liverpool had chances to tie the game up. Arturo Vidal diverted Luis Diaz’s close-range shot over the bar after Mohamed Salah volleyed against the post.
“At first, we battled,” Salah said. “In the second half, we were able to hold the ball up a little better.” The fact that we are qualified is the most crucial factor. We’ll try to improve in the next game.”
Inter’s only consolation was that they were the first team to win at Anfield since Fulham 366 days before.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told BT Sport, “The problems we faced were quite close to what I expected.” “Inter is a fantastic team that is built for these types of games. They’re true fighters, and I’m glad we don’t have to face them every game.
Liverpool is still in position for a quadruple after winning the League Cup last month, reaching the FA Cup quarterfinals, and cutting Manchester City’s Premier League advantage to six points with a game in hand.
Inter’s attention is now on catching AC Milan in Serie A, with two points to makeup and a game in hand.
“At Anfield, we gave it our all,” Inter coach Simone Inzaghi remarked. “And we come out of these two games a better, stronger team.”