Liverpool ratings – Roberto Firmino 9/10, Virgil van Dijk 8/10 in tough Champions League test at Inter Milan

Liverpool were back in Champions League action on Wednesday night and secured a hard-fought 2-0 win against Internazionale at the San Siro. Chances were few and far between for Jurgen Klopp’s side in the first half, with the best opportunities coming from set pieces and when being created from winning the ball high up the pitch.

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Hakan Calhanoglu fired a warning shot to the Reds as he found space inside the box and unleashed a strike that smashed against the woodwork, and that was one of multiple problems that the Serie A champions caused on the night. Inter started the second half on the front foot and it looked as though Liverpool didn’t have an answer for their overloads down both flanks.

Ivan Perisic found space time and time again, and that saw Klopp trigger a triple substitution to gain back some control of the match. The storm soon passed with a noticeable drop in intensity after the changes, and it was Roberto Firmino who took advantage, heading home exquisitely from Andy Robertson’s corner in the 75th minute.

That goal looked to take the wind completely out of Inter’s sails, with a poor clearance then being pounced on by Mohamed Salah to secure a two-goal advantage for the return leg at Anfield.

Positives

The Reds weathered the storm with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate showing that they can answer when called upon. Inter’s best opportunities were quickly snuffed out by the centre-back pairing, while Alisson’s commanding of the area helped instill a level of calmness.

Negatives

Liverpool were sloppy at times and conceded possession too easily in dangerous areas, with Internazionale aggressively able to get to the ball and begin attacks. Too much space was conceded down the channels with…