Simone Inzaghi was able to fall back on Bastoni, who had recently missed because of an ankle injury. Midfield Motor Barlla lacked, however, a painful failure for the Nerazzurri. Meanwhile, Jürgen Klopp was a bit more courageous, Konaté and the only 18-year-old Elliott started at the Reds, which came a little better into the game.

• Continuous pressure after the break
• Guide from nothing

Mané and Salah were looking for the way directly from the kickoff into the penalty area, but a dangerous degree did not jump out. Inter acted in the usual 3-5-2 very stable, Martinez announced the Nerazzurri after five minutes for the first time in the offensive. After a competitive initial phase without many highlights, the game took over and more pace in the episode, Mané would almost be able to lead the Reds by header from five meters (14th). In return, however, it rang almost in the box of Alissons, Calhanoglu shot after strong preliminary work of Perisic from four meters but to the latte (16th).

Continuous pressure after the break

As dangerous as in this phase it was no longer in the first pass, only Mané by fall backdrop (23rd) and Skriniar by head (41.) caused degrees. Shortly before the break, the Reds often made a small mistake, which interrupted more and again to counter. In the latter, Van Djik and Konaté defended strongly, but Dzeko and Martinez were barely involved in the game.

However, that changed after resource-up, Inter-pressure on continuous pressure. Above all Perisic made a tidy alarm on the left, Liverpool did not get the croats under control. In addition, the Lombards played again and again behind the chain of Reds, Dzeko was often in depth. Only the lack of the last cold snopy had to accuse the Nerazzurri, Alisson did not even have to intervene correctly at this stage.

Guide from nothing

Klopp responded after an hour to the overburden of his team and brought newcomers to Luis Diaz. The Colombian made directly for a little relief and at the same time took some wind from the sails. Liverpool found again better in the game – and was suddenly in the lead: The Roberto Firmino replaced to the break extended a corner of Robertson with the back of the head in the long corner – Handanovic was powerless (75.).

The residue was an impactor for the Nerazzurri, which turned on the high tempo after restart now. The Reds had more forces back at the back – and knew that to use a second time: Salah completed a header of Van Dijk from twelve meters and was lucky that his shot was still faked (83.).

The 2-0 brought the LFC safely over time and thus goes with a clear advantage in the second leg, which rises on March 8 in Anfield. Inter meets the next Matchday of Series A on Sassuolo (Sunday, 6 pm). The FC Liverpool receives on Saturday (16 o’clock) Norwich City.