A dramatic late penalty delivered Liverpool a hard-earned 1-0 triumph over Internazionale at San Siro on Tuesday night, providing manager Arne Slot with much-needed breathing room amid escalating tensions surrounding star forward Mohamed Salah.
The Champions League victory, sealed by Dominik Szoboszlai’s 88th-minute spot kick, carried profound significance beyond the three points. It marked the Reds’ first away European win without Salah since November 2009 and demonstrated the squad’s resilience during one of the most turbulent periods in recent club history.
Defiance Replaces Drama in Milan
The traveling Liverpool supporters erupted when Alexis Mac Allister forced a throw-in during stoppage time, celebrating the defensive play with intensity typically reserved for goals. That moment captured the essence of an evening defined by grit and determination rather than flowing attacking football.
Salah’s conspicuous absence loomed over proceedings after his explosive post-match interview following Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Leeds United. The Egyptian star, who claimed he felt “thrown under the bus” by the club and hinted that the upcoming Brighton match might be his final appearance in Liverpool colors, was excluded from the matchday squad entirely.
The decision represented a significant statement from Slot, who found himself managing not just tactics but a potential crisis involving one of world football’s most recognizable talents. Salah has served as Liverpool’s primary penalty taker for eight seasons, making the sight of Szoboszlai converting the decisive spot kick particularly symbolic.
Reshuffled Attack Produces Mixed Results
Without Salah and the injured Cody Gakpo, Slot deployed Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike together in attack—only the second time the duo has started since their combined £204 million summer arrivals. The experiment aimed to demonstrate Liverpool’s attacking depth extends beyond their talismanic Egyptian.
However, Isak’s performance raised questions rather than providing answers. The Sweden international managed just 25 touches before his second-half substitution, continuing his struggle for form and fitness following his controversial move from Newcastle United. His ineffectiveness highlighted Liverpool’s continued dependence on Salah’s consistent excellence.
Despite the attacking limitations, Liverpool exhibited improved defensive organization compared to recent months. The Reds restricted Inter to minimal opportunities, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s first-half save from Lautaro Martínez representing the hosts’ clearest chance.
Controversial Moments Shape Contest
Liverpool thought they had broken through after 32 minutes when Ibrahima Konaté headed powerfully past Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer. However, an extensive VAR review determined Ekitike handled the ball during the buildup, nullifying the goal and testing the visitors’ mental fortitude.
The France international’s response proved crucial. After enduring a difficult run of personal form, Konaté delivered a commanding performance that suggested Liverpool’s defensive backbone remains intact despite broader squad challenges.
The match’s decisive moment arrived when referee Felix Zwayer consulted the pitchside monitor to review Alessandro Bastoni’s challenge on Florian Wirtz inside the penalty area. The Italian defender grabbed a handful of Wirtz’s shirt, prompting Zwayer to award the spot kick that Szoboszlai converted emphatically.
Slot acknowledged afterward that similar incidents often go unpunished in Premier League matches, but the penalty represented just reward for Liverpool’s sustained pressure and disciplined approach.
Manager Receives Crucial Backing
Perhaps the evening’s most telling moment came from the traveling supporters, who serenaded Slot with chants before Liverpool had even taken the lead. The fans’ vocal backing continued with renewed vigor at the final whistle, providing the Dutchman with tangible evidence of support during a challenging period.
“It meant a lot,” Slot admitted when asked about the supporters’ gestures, recognizing the significance of such public backing when his authority had been questioned.
The victory ended Inter’s impressive 18-game unbeaten European home run dating to September 2022, delivering Slot a statement result with only 13 available outfield players possessing Premier League or Champions League experience.
“All I could ask for,” Slot said when summarizing his team’s display, highlighting their resilience through four matches in 10 days while dealing with limited squad depth.
Unresolved Questions Await
Despite Tuesday’s triumph moving Liverpool to eighth in the Champions League standings, Slot faces immediate challenges upon the squad’s Wednesday return to Merseyside. The manager must navigate delicate negotiations with Salah, who departs for the Africa Cup of Nations this weekend.
The timing complicates matters significantly. Liverpool requires clarity on Salah’s future and emotional state before his international duty, yet the player’s public comments have created tension that cannot be resolved overnight.
Tuesday’s victory without their talisman may strengthen Slot’s negotiating position, demonstrating the team can secure results during Salah’s absence. However, the attacking limitations displayed against Inter also revealed how much Liverpool relies on the 33-year-old’s goal-scoring prowess and creative vision.
The coming days will determine whether this San Siro triumph represents a turning point that restores harmony or merely a temporary reprieve before deeper issues resurface. For now, Liverpool can celebrate three vital Champions League points earned through collective determination during their most testing week of the season.
The performance answered immediate questions about squad character and tactical flexibility while raising longer-term concerns about attacking depth and contract negotiations. Slot’s challenge involves converting Tuesday’s defiant victory into sustained momentum while addressing the Salah situation before it derails Liverpool’s championship aspirations across multiple competitions.
