Liverpool Rating – Firmino 9 out of 10 Van Dijk 8/10 in tough Champions League challenge at Inter Milan

Liverpool got back in the Champions League action on Wednesday night and secured a tough match Win 2-0 against Internazionale at San Siro. Chances were few and far between for Jurgen Klopp’s side in the first half, with the best opportunities coming from plays and when created from winning the ball at the top of the pitch.

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Hakan Calhanoglu Fired a warning shot for the Reds when he found space inside the penalty area and unleashed a shot that hit the woodwork, and it was one of many problems the Serie A champions have caused on that night. Inter started the second half on the front foot and it looked like Liverpool had no answer to their overload on the flanks.

Ivan Perisic find time and time again, and that saw Klopp trigger a three-time substitution to regain some control of the game. The storm quickly passed with a significant decrease in intensity following the changes, and it Roberto Firmino who took advantage, came home brilliantly from Andy RobertsonCorner kick in the 75th minute.

That goal appeared to have completely escaped Inter’s sails, with a poor save then caught by Mohamed Salah to secure a two-goal advantage for the second leg at Anfield.

Positive

The Reds weathered the storm with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate show that they can respond when asked. Inter’s best opportunities were quickly eliminated by the central defenders, while AlissonCommanding the area helped create a degree of calm.

Negative

Liverpool were sometimes sloppy and conceded too easily in dangerous areas, while Internazionale took possession of the ball and started attacking. Too much space was conceded in the channels with Ivan Perisic enjoying himself on the left flank; Although the Reds were not punished on this occasion, they could have stayed for another night.

Manager rating above 10

Jurgen Klopp 8 – A positive team selection shows Klopp’s intention to take advantage of the first leg, and the German did not waste time making changes when he saw that things were not as planned. That assertiveness paid off as Liverpool regained control and took the lead thanks to Firmino.

Player Rating (1-10; 10 = best, players referred after 70 minutes have no rating)

GK Alisson, 7 years old – Liverpool’s No 1 commanded his area very well tonight and that was important as Inter frequently dribbled to the flanks and made dangerous crosses.

DF Andy Robertson, 6 – The Scotland The captain has defended well for the most part, but the style of his opponents means he cannot advance as much as he would like tonight. Firmino took a corner to open the scoring.

DF Virgil van Dijk, 8 years old – The 30-year-old centre-back looked reassured as he handled ‘s threats Edin Dzeko throughout the game. An important intervention prevented the ball from coming Lautaro Martinez in the second half like Netherlands the captain maintained an active attack in the bay.

DF Ibrahima Konate, 8 – An important save prevented Perisic’s ball from reaching its target and it was the highlight of the centre-back’s all-round performance in a difficult game.

DF Trent Alexander-Arnold6 – The right-back came close with a free-kick that seemed to catch on Samir Handanovic, but just beat the post. Having lost track of Perisic early in the second half, whose cross was shot into a dangerous area.

MF Fabinho6 – The Brazil The international clashed fiercely in the middle of the field, winning the ball high and making it difficult for the Internazionale players to hold the ball, but he could have been more careful with control. After a slow start to the second half, he was replaced by Jordan Henderson.

MF Thiago7 – Strong in the tackle and looking tireless in possession in the midst of a tense Champions League game. Pick a good position to split up attacks and play deeper when under pressure.

MF Harvey Elliott6 – Elliott tried to let things happen when he had the ball, although he could sometimes do more to keep the ball. Was brought on in the second half for Naby Keita, but not by mistake in a game where Inter had taken the lead early in the second half.

FW Sadio Mane5 – Some of Liverpool’s best chances have fallen into the hands of Mane, who could have done better with the opportunities presented to him.

FW Diogo Jota5 – Jota was in impressive form in the late game but his threat appeared to have been neutralized by the Serie A side in the first half. Substituted at half-time for Firmino.

FW Mohamed Salah, 6 – The game breaks too much when it finds Salah in the night, with Egypt the international was trying to make an impact before his goal in the 88th minute, the first reaction to a poor clearance in the box.

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FW Roberto Firmino, 9 – Firmino came on for Jota at half-time and linked up well, dropping deep and moving the ball quickly in front of Liverpool’s goal. An excellent header from the corner left Handanovic no chance to save.

MF Naby Keita6 – Keita’s introduction of Elliot after half an hour left added a much-needed layer of experience to Klopp’s side, who were overwhelmed in midfield.

MF Jordan Henderson, 7 – As another 59-minute substitute replacing Fabinho, the Liverpool captain’s leadership was vital at a time when his side looked out of place after the start of the second half.

FW Luis Diaz6 – Also part of an impactful trio of substitutions, Diaz came in for Mane and added unpredictability to Liverpool’s attack, which plagued Inter’s backline. He almost scored right after coming on but his effort was saved.

MF James MilnerN/R – His 800th career appearance for Milner, in the 86th minute for Thiago.