Liverpool are on the verge of the Champions League 1/4 finals after the Reds defeated Inter on their soil 2-0 in a hardship battle seen on Wednesday night.It’s fair to say Simone Inzaghi’s outfit had more goalscoring opportunities and was closer to celebrating a victory. Still, tiredness and a lack of energy on their part proved crucial for the first leg and the tragic defeat.Bobby Firmino and Mohamed Salah scored for the Scousers late in the second half to make things much easier ahead of the return leg scheduled for March 8 at Anfield.Mohamed Salah for Liverpool in all competitions this season:👕 29 games⚽️ 24 goals🅰️ 14 assistsOutrageous numbers. 🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/tuFoR7ZRFA— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 16, 2022 The final outcome doesn’t say so, but it was a very balanced game from the kick-off.Lautaro tried his luck early after a pinball near the edge of the box, but his goalscoring drought continued as the ball went wide of the left post.On the other end, Tiago Alcantara made an opening statement with an utterly weird volley, but his massively curved ball went above the crossbar.The same happened around the 15-minute mark, as Sadio Mane fired a fine header at the far post following a cross from the left, but Handanovic’s sheet was kept clean. However, it was Hakan Calhanoglu with the finest opportunity of the game until then as he exploited a pass from the left flank. He provided himself with enough space and time to fire superbly and would definitely get his name on the scoreboard if it wasn’t for the woodwork.📸 – Çalhanoglu hits the BAR! pic.twitter.com/ZzOvl8KCMG— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) February 16, 2022 Those couple of minutes were packed with action on both ends, as both sides were pressing and giving their best to break the deadlock. Mane was once again close to scoring, only this time his bicycle kick ended on the wrong side of the net.The Scousers had six shots off the target until half an hour, with the latest coming from TAA’s courageous free-kick.That ludicrously high tempo imposed by two remarkable teams lasted a few moments more when the series of tackles and mistakes finally caused a deceleration.It prolonged into the second half, but a magnificent Nerazzurri counter-attack instantly interrupted the lullaby song. Dumfries launched a sensational 40-yard-long pass to Perisic, who got a hold of it as if it was the easiest job in the world and crossed it to Lautaro, who was seconds too late to nail it for 1-0.Subs have changed the game! Hendo keita bobby linking play perfectly. Then you got diaz so lively running at the defence. pic.twitter.com/fi2IAlhfTV— Mujataba Hussain (@MujiH_) February 16, 2022 By that moment, it was blatantly clear the hosts were much closer to going one up, and Klopp was forced to react. He made three subs in a single occasion, pulling out Mane, Elliot and Fabinho (Jota before that), trying to bring back the necessary balance, especially in the midfield. And that was maybe the game-changer! One of the newcomers, Luis Diaz, made his presence visible on the pitch shortly after. He exchanged passes with TAA before a low finish, but Skriniar’s last-gasp effort saved the hosts and the keeper Handanovic.No one could save him, however, in the 75th minute. Firmino reacted superbly at the near post amid the corner from the right and sent it straight into the net for a shocking lead.Firmino goal for Liverpool against Inter Milan pic.twitter.com/YzttTpvp3N— Live News (@LiveNewsForAll_) February 16, 2022 Exhausted Italians were left clueless and disappointed for that knock-out and were an easy target in the minutes that followed.The Egyptian gem made the most of one pinball in the opposite area to seal the win and kill the game, and the entire tie, with seven minutes left on the clock.Salah goal. Best itw is back.🐐❤️ pic.twitter.com/ni4Crqv7F7— A5med 🇧🇷 (@VVDawi) February 16, 2022 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – ROUND OF 16WednesdayInter – Liverpool 0-2 (0-0)/Firmino 75, Salah 83/Salzburg – Bayern Munich 1-1 (1-0)/Adamu 21 – Coman 90/TuesdaySporting – Manchester City 0-5 (0-4)/Mahrez 7, Silva 17, 44, Foden 32, Sterling 58/PSG – Real Madrid 1-0 (0-0)/Mbappe 90+4/February 22nd23:00: (1.37) Chelsea (4.80) Lille (8.50)23:00: (2.70) Villareal (3.10) Juventus (2.75)February 23rd23:00: (3.50) Benfica (3.45) Ajax (2.10)23:00: (2.55) Atl.Madrid (3.15) Man.Utd. (2.85)***odds are subject to change
