Inter Milan 0–1 Liverpool: Szoboszlai Seals Controversial Late Champions League Win

Liverpool secured a crucial Champions League victory at the San Siro, edging past Inter Milan 1–0 in a match overshadowed by controversy but defined by a level of discipline and resilience Arne Slot’s side have lacked in recent weeks.

The backdrop was turbulent for Liverpool. Nine defeats in their previous 15 matches had placed their European campaign under threat, while tensions between Mohamed Salah and Slot dominated the build-up.

Salah was again absent, left out of the travelling squad after his post-Elland Road comments claiming he was being “thrown under the bus” and no longer had a relationship with his head coach.

Inter arrived in far calmer circumstances, sitting third in the league phase, but were quickly unsettled. Cristian Chivu was forced into two early substitutions, disrupting their structure before the half-hour mark.

Liverpool believed they had the opener on 32 minutes. Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner was flicked on by Hugo Ekitike, allowing Ibrahima Konaté to head past Yann Sommer but after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was ruled out for handball in the build-up.

The decision felt harsh on replay and set the tone for a frustrating evening with the officials.

Despite that setback, Liverpool remained composed. Inter struggled for rhythm, while the visitors managed the game effectively in and out of possession, even if clear chances were limited.

The decisive moment came late and not without further controversy. In the 88th minute Florian Wirtz went down after a tug from Alessandro Bastoni. Following another VAR intervention, a penalty was awarded. With Salah absent, Szoboszlai stepped up and converted calmly to give Liverpool the lead.

While Liverpool had reason to be frustrated by the earlier disallowed goal, they ultimately benefited from the marginal call that decided the match. The three points were invaluable regardless. The win lifts Liverpool to eighth place in the table, level with Inter, who drop to fifth after back-to-back Champions League defeats.

It was a significant night for Slot amid mounting scrutiny, reinforcing his authority during a turbulent spell.

Liverpool now turn their focus to the Premier League with a trip to Brighton on Saturday, before travelling to Marseille on January 21st for their next champions league tie.

Inter, meanwhile, return to Serie A action against Genoa this weekend before hosting Arsenal at the San Siro on matchday seven.