Liverpool breathed a huge sigh of relief as Dominic Soboslai emerged as the unlikely hero in a tense Champions League clash against Inter Milan at the San Siro. In a match where the absence of Mohamed Salah dominated pre-match discussion, Liverpool’s young squad showed remarkable resilience and grit.
The encounter was tense and tactical, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances in the first half. Despite missing one of their most influential players, Liverpool pressed bravely but lacked the final touch needed to break the deadlock. Inter Milan, too, failed to assert dominance offensively, with Lautaro Martinez unable to test Alisson Becker significantly during the opening 37 minutes.
Liverpool’s first real chance came in the 32nd minute when Ibrahima Konaté headed from close range. Although Inter’s goalkeeper Martinez made an incredible save, VAR intervention ruled it out for handball, with the ball deflecting off teammate Hugo Ekitike before Konaté’s attempt. Just before half-time, Martinez had a chance to put the home side ahead, only to be denied by an alert Alisson.
The second half saw Liverpool gradually increasing their tempo. Chances came and went for both sides, but the breakthrough came in the 86th minute. Alessandro Bastoni tugged Florian Wirtz down in the penalty area, and after a VAR review, the referee awarded a spot-kick. Soboslai stepped up and confidently slotted the ball past Martinez, securing a priceless three points for the Reds.
With this victory, Liverpool now have 12 points from six matches, placing them eighth in the group. Inter Milan also have 12 points but sit fifth due to an inferior goal difference. This win is particularly significant as it provides momentum for a team entering a post-Salah era, keeping their Champions League hopes alive.
Elsewhere in Europe, Bayern Munich came from behind to defeat Sporting CP 3-1 at the Allianz Arena, while Olympiacos, Monaco, Atlético Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, and Marseille also secured vital group stage wins. Liverpool’s victory at San Siro is a statement of character, proving that even without their star forward, they can still deliver under pressure.
