REDS SAVED BY BOBBY DAZZLER
Firmino uses his head to turn game before Mo adds second
EVERY time you begin to doubt Roberto Firmino, the magical No9 always responds.
This time, Firmino came off the bench to provide the moment of magic to give Liverpool the most precious smash-and-grab victory you are ever likely to see.
Firmino is no longer an automatic starter for Liverpool but the Brazilian’s back flick, a sensational header which drifted just inside the far post, was a reminder of his quality.
The 2,500 travelling Liverpool fans up in the Gods celebrated wildly as they toasted a memorable win in one of Europe’s great football cathedrals.
The San Siro may not be quite what it was, it is a bit rough around the edges, but Jurgen Klopp said before the game that Inter Milan are
Champions League royalty and that is because few teams win in this old stadium.
It was some achievement as Inter had lost only three of their past 36 home games before Liverpool inflicted another. It was in fact the Reds’ second win at the San Siro this season, having beaten AC Milan 2-1 there in the final round of group stage games.
Last night, Mo Salah completed the win in the first leg of this round-of-16 tie with a late second and now Liverpool look to have half a foot in the quarter finals. Klopp said before the game he was not sure why the away goals rule had been scrapped, he quite liked it – and how he must wish it was still in place.
Now Inter Milan have a mountain to climb at Anfield in three weeks’ time when, on another evening with a bit more fortune, the reigning Italian champions could have easily won.
It was a combination of bad luck, poor finishing and brilliant defending as Virgil van Dijk was imperious at the back, forming a terrific partnership with Ibrahima
Konate as they headed, blocked and kicked everything. Inter had chances, this was far from a polished Liverpool display and in fact Reds boss Klopp had to ring the changes before his side really found their rhythm just at a time when the hosts looked most likely to get something.
Lautaro Martinez had chances, Hakan Calhanoglu crashed a shot against the crossbar and Liverpool were struggling which led Klopp to bringing on Firmino for the rather ineffective Diogo Jota at half-time. That did not stem the tide really and
Inter were very dangerous with Liverpool clinging on for dear life at the back.
It was a nervous battle of wills, someone had to blink first.
Klopp, below, was bold by giving 18-year-old Harvey Elliott his Champions League debut, Liverpool’s youngest ever in the competition proper and he had mixed results.
But Liverpool then made a treble change and the momentum of the match switched.
On came January signing Luis Diaz, Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson as Elliott, Mane and Fabinho went off.
The latter must have been injured while Mane had an off night.
Then came Liverpool’s breakthrough after 75 minutes.
Andy Robertson’s corner was perfect at the near post, Firmino was there to head past Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic and just inside the far post. Firmino has found his place under threat from Jota and Diaz but his quality is still there for all to see. What a warrior, he is not ready to give up his place in the fab three just yet. Then came another goal after 83 minutes. Trent Alexander-Arnold put in a deep ball into the box, Inter could not clear and Salah gave Liverpool breathing space as he scored on the turn. Liverpool had two shots on target all night, they scored two goals and this was a brilliant, precious away victory which will keep their chase for trophies very much on course.