Despite losing to Inter Milan, Jürgen Klopp has reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League with Liverpool. The Reds lost 1-0 (0-0) to the Italian soccer champions in the round of 16 on Tuesday, but Liverpool won the first leg 2-0 with the German coach in mid-February.
Lautaro Martínez (62′) scored the goal for the guests at Anfield, who were outnumbered immediately afterwards. Alexis Sanchez (63rd) saw yellow-red after repeated foul play. Inter went on the offensive from the start and tried to turn the deficit from the first leg.
Mohamed Salah hits the post with two shots
Against the compact defense of the English, however, the guests could hardly get through. Former Bundesliga professional Hakan Calhanoglu (41′) had the best chance for the Italians in the first half, but Liverpool keeper Alisson was able to fend off his sharp free-kick. Otherwise, the Reds controlled what was happening – and overall even had the better chances. In the 31st minute, former Schalke player Joel Matip headed the crossbar, immediately afterwards his defensive colleague Virgil van Dijk also failed with a header.
Liverpool also got off to a better start after the break, but Mohamed Salah (52nd/76th) also hit the post with his shots. However, within a few seconds, Inter turned the game upside down. First Martinez scored the surprising lead for the guests with a long-range shot, only two minutes later the Italians were suddenly outnumbered – Sanchez saw yellow-red after repeated foul play.
Liverpool then pushed for an equaliser, but were unable to capitalize on the advantage in the form of a goal. It was the Reds’ first Champions League defeat this season.
